Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

Signs and Symptoms – Labour

Stage 1– Mild Lower back pain, abdominal cramps, and mild contractions generally begin 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. The contractions become stronger and more frequent until they are less than 5 minutes apart. Discharge of amniotic fluid, blood, or bloody mucous. Stage 2 – Active Strong contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur three to four minutes apart, continuing to gain frequency until they are approximately two minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. The mother is straining to push the baby out. Bulging of the vaginal opening and crowning (seeing the top of the baby’s head). Stage 3 – Final The baby has been delivered and may still be attached to the umbilical cord. The cord and the placenta, along with the amnionic sac and any remaining fluid, are not yet delivered.

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