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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Third stage

12 replies

Queenofthehill · 03/05/2011 14:01

Am 37+5. Having decided I want ideally to try for a water birth in the birth centre, using gas and air, I am still undecided about whether to opt for an active or physiological third stage. What were your experiences of either? What were the advantages or disadvantages? Thanks so much in advance for your insights...

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Wigeon · 03/05/2011 14:05

Third stage was 4 mins in my case, so no reason to go for active. With DC2 (due next week) I am planning on a physiological third stage unless it goes on for ages and the midwives advise active. But it seems to me there's no point on definitely planning on an active third stage before you get there, as it might not be necessary (obviously assuming that you haven't had medical advice that in your specific case an active third stage is advised).

Original poster

Queenofthehill · 03/05/2011 14:11

That's really helpful. Great to hear yours was so swift. For some reason (perhaps increasing control-freakery in lead-up to big day!), I thought I should ideally make this decision in advance, too, but going with the flow sounds like a plan... And relax

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electra · 03/05/2011 14:16

I've had both and can't tell you how much I prefer a physiological third stage. The injection I had for delivering the placenta the first time made me vomit (very unpleasant at the end of an exhausting labour). I also had a PPH (which the midwives said they thought had been caused by the injection) and passed huge clots for about 6 weeks afterwards. With my other two (physiological) I had no such traumas and had very little loss at all after delivery (only lasted about 2 weeks).

Wigeon · 03/05/2011 18:54

OP - here's your decision: "I plan to have a physiological third stage unless a medical professional advises me at the time to have an active third stage". Control freakery dealt with . I don't think it's a good idea to "decide" for definite on anything to do with labour - just to have armed yourself with information in advance, and to have an idea about your preferences. Is this your first ?

thell · 04/05/2011 21:20

^ What she said!

Unless there's any reason to interfere, it's probably best to let nature take it's course. Midwives don't normally start getting twitchy unless the 3rd stage goes on for more than an hour - during which time you'll be towelling off, cuddling your baby and getting your first feed in

If it's taking it's time, it can be helpful to be in a squatting position / upright / sitting on a bucket...lying down can make it take longer.

Good luck

Loopymumsy · 05/05/2011 06:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BeeBopBunny · 05/05/2011 14:33

I had no choice - big tear that needed stitching quickly, so it was the injection for me. The mw just did it without asking, which is probably not what they are supposed to do, but I'm glad she did. It seemed a big deal before the birth, but tbh it's really not imo.

CalmInsomniac · 05/05/2011 14:40

I planned a physiological 3rd stage. The main point for me was that I wanted DD to have the full placental blood volume and not have her cord clamped within seconds of birth. I had also read that a physiological 3rd stage, while having a slightly higher risk of PPH, can lead to lower bleeding in the days/weeks that follow.
I had a waterbirth, waited for cord to stop pulsing (15 mins). Cord clamped and cut. Then the MWs asked me to push with contractions to get the placenta out which had separated. I pushed. I squatted and pushed. I squatted and pushed some more and all that came out was a big wee.
So after about 45 minutes I was fed up and asked for the injection and the MW pulled the placenta out within 5 minutes. Done.
Next time I would write on my birth preferences:
Please don't clamp and cut the cord or administer the injection immediately.
I would like to discuss having the injection after the baby is delivered.

CalmInsomniac · 05/05/2011 14:41

Oh and BTW I only bled after birth for 10-14 days.

Original poster

Queenofthehill · 06/05/2011 17:41

Thanks so much, all. Experiences much appreciated. I have been leaning towards the physiological with a 'see how it goes' approach on the day. And, yes, wigeon, this is my first!

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LCarbury · 06/05/2011 17:51

I had active 1st time round after natural waterbirth because I didn't want labour to go on much longer (even though it was not bad or particularly long, only 5 1/2 hours), it was just that I was really keen to cuddle my baby and be done! Injection was fine. 2nd time, I donated the placenta for research so the midwife did it differently but I can't remember much about it, except that I had to get out of the birthing bool and sit on some towels in a corner to get it out. Both times, delivery of the placenta was a lovely soothing feeling after the sting of crowning and pushing my babies out, it felt really smooth and silky coming out.

coldcomfortHeart · 06/05/2011 18:03

I had a physiological but like Loopymumsy had a bleed probably because they didn't do it properly- clamped and cut cord asap, then used controlled cord traction (basically, pulled on it). I should have known better and interrupted but was a bit spaced out cuddling my baby!

Only lasted 20mins though. So if you opt for it, make sure they know how to do it- lots and lots of midwives don't because, esp in hospital, it is as rare as hen's teeth.

I'm going to have it again (all being normal/well etc) but will forbid any pulling/early clamping!

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