'I CAN'T DO IT ANY MORE'- 'Transition' in labour
Transition in labour
'I CAN'T DO IT ANY MORE'
In labour, somewhere between your cervix stretching fully open & the urge to push kicking in, you have a HUGE (and completely normal) surge in adrenalin. This causes the muscles of the uterus to change over jobs- our uterine muscles work in pairs- long muscles contract during the first stage of labour and round muscles relax, causing the cervix to draw up and stretch over our baby's head (or bottom). In the second stage the roles reverse & the round muscles squeeze your baby down and out to be born, whilst the long muscles relax out of the way. The period in between of 'swapping over' is called transition. So, internally there's hormonal changes and muscle changes, but what about externally/emotionally?
What happens in transition?
This can go one of two way, or maybe a combo of the 2! After hours of steady labouring, things might all slow down.. if this happens, keep calm. It may well just be the 'calm before the storm'; your body rebuilding the energy it needs for the part of labour. The result of a huge (but necessary) surge in adrenalin. Turn out the lights, have a kiss or a cuddle, breathe deeply and let that oxytocin flow!
What else might it look like?
The other thing that may happen (more commonly in my experience) is that you might hit PANIC MODE! You may not realise you're in it yourself, but your birth partner will! This is the moment where women often say 'I WANT TO GO HOME NOW' 'I NEED AN EPIDURAL' or 'I CAN'T DO IT ANY MORE!', women often position themselves closer to the floor and make some pretty guttural, primal sounds (a lot like a cow mooing). This is the moment where midwives catch each others eye and smile, they know, it's happening!
How can your birth partner help?
As a birth partner, if you're not anticipating this change, it can feel quite scary! So, knowing what it is makes it much easier to remain calm and be the steady reassurance your partner needs during this potentially wobbly stage of labour.