Learning Videos

Active Labour and Giving Birth

Explains established labour, monitoring during labour, reaching full cervical dilatation and the second stage when the baby is born.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustAll learning videos

This Leeds Maternity film follows what happens once labour is established, through to the second stage when your baby is born.

Positions for labour and birth are a matter of preference, comfort and clinical circumstances. There is no single position that everyone should use.

Key takeaways

Established labour usually means regular, strong contractions and a cervix that is opening steadily
Your midwife will check on you and your baby regularly and explain what monitoring is offered
The second stage begins once the cervix is fully open and ends with the birth of your baby
You can move and change position throughout, and your midwife will guide you

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World Health Organization (WHO)· International guidance

WHO Labour Care Guide to Support Intrapartum Care for a Positive Birth Experience

An introduction to the WHO Labour Care Guide, an international tool designed to support respectful, evidence-based care during labour and birth.

References

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: Active labour and delivering your baby
NHS: The stages of labour and birth

This video was produced by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and is shared for education only. It is not medical advice and does not replace guidance from your GP, fertility clinic or another qualified healthcare professional. Always discuss your own circumstances with your clinical team.