-By Bushra Hatahet, UK-Trained Clinical Midwife
Although your baby has now been born, your birth is not quite finished.
The final stage of labour is known as the third stage, when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus and is delivered.
The placenta has supported your baby throughout pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products.
Now that your baby has been born, the placenta is no longer needed.
After your baby is born, your uterus continues to contract.
These contractions help the placenta separate naturally from the wall of the uterus.
You may experience some mild cramping, but these contractions are usually much gentler than those you experienced during labour.
As the placenta separates, your midwife will watch carefully for signs that it is ready to be delivered.
These signs include:
Once these signs are present, your midwife will guide you through the next step.
Most women choose active management of the third stage.
This involves giving an injection of oxytocin into your thigh shortly after your baby’s birth.
The oxytocin helps your uterus contract firmly, allowing the placenta to separate more quickly and significantly reducing the risk of heavy bleeding after birth.
Once the placenta has separated, your midwife or obstetrician will apply gentle, controlled traction to the umbilical cord while supporting your uterus.
You may be asked to give one small push.
For most women, the placenta is delivered within 5 to 30 minutes.
Some women choose a physiological, or natural, third stage.
This means allowing the placenta to separate and deliver naturally without the routine use of an oxytocin injection.
Your baby’s suckling during breastfeeding and ongoing skin-to-skin contact help stimulate the release of your own natural oxytocin, encouraging your uterus to contract.
A physiological third stage can take longer than active management and is only recommended when both mother and baby are well, there is no excessive bleeding, and there are no medical concerns.
Your midwife will discuss whether this is a suitable option for you.
Most women are surprised by how different it feels.
Compared with the birth of your baby, delivering the placenta is usually much easier.
Many mothers describe it as a feeling of pressure followed by a warm, slippery sensation as the placenta slides out.
Once the placenta has been delivered, your uterus continues to contract, helping reduce bleeding.
After delivery, your midwife carefully examines the placenta and membranes.
This is an important part of your care.
We check that the placenta has been delivered completely and that no pieces remain inside the uterus, as retained placental tissue can increase the risk of bleeding or infection.
Many parents enjoy seeing the placenta and learning about the remarkable organ that supported their baby throughout pregnancy.
If you’re interested, simply ask your midwife—we’re always happy to show you and explain its different parts.
The placenta is an incredible organ. It grows specifically for your pregnancy, supports your baby for nine months, and is no longer needed after birth. Every placenta is unique, and examining it is one of the ways we make sure your birth has been safely completed.
With the placenta delivered, your birth is complete.
Your midwife will continue to monitor you closely during the first few hours after birth.
This includes checking:
If everything is well, these first hours are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy uninterrupted time with your baby, begin feeding, and celebrate the arrival of your newest family member.
“One of the things I always tell parents is that birth doesn’t end the moment your baby is born—it begins a completely new chapter. The first cuddle, the first feed, the tiny fingers wrapped around yours and the first time your baby looks into your eyes are moments you’ll remember forever.
Take your time.
There is no rush.
Ask questions.
Enjoy every minute.
You’ve both worked incredibly hard to get here, and these first moments together are some of the most precious you’ll ever experience.”
If you are looking for calm expertise and genuine continuity of care, let’s talk.
