Stages of Labor GIFs
The 28 Stages of Labor According to GIFs
Image Source: Lionsgate
Being pregnant and actually going into labor are two very different things — once you go into labor, whatever hardships your pregnancy presented immediately feel insignificant because you realize it's inevitable now that you're going to birth a human being. Although you'll do your best to stay calm, try not to insult your partner, and be the perfect pregnant patient, chances are that the progression of labor will slowly take you down notch by notch.
Read through for the 28 emotional stages of labor that basically every pregnant woman goes through.
1 You spend the final days before your due date in a haze of nervousness and excitement.
Image Source: NBC
2 You react to every little kick or movement as the potential onset of your labor.
Image Source: Fox
3 You finally enter the stages of early labor, experiencing mild contractions and possible water breakage.
Image Source: Universal Studios
4 You start panicking, gathering all of your things for the hospital.
Image Source: NBC
5 You call your doctor sure it’s time to have the baby, but he tells you to stay home and relax until the contractions are closer.
Image Source: NBC
6 You try to take his advice, but the thought of having to expel a human from your vagina in a few hours prevents calm feelings.
Image Source: The Island Def Jam Music Group
7 You begin to time your contractions, simultaneously hoping they’ll speed up and that they’ll cease altogether.
Image Source: Fox
8 Your contractions start to feel like period cramps on steroids and you promise to never complain about a menstrual cramp again.
Image Source: NBC
9 After several incessant calls to the doctor to find out if it’s time to go, you head to the hospital.
Image Source: Fox
10 You’re shocked at the lack of urgency from every hospital staff member you encounter on your way in.
Image Source: E!
11 You settle into your room and feel the contractions start to get stronger.
Image Source: Universal Studios
12 The nurse basically laughs at you when you ask if you can have an epidural yet.
Image Source: The CW
13 The contractions start to derail you, and you’re sure it’s time to push.
Image Source: CBS
14 Your nurse tells you that you’re only five centimeters dilated, so no, it’s not time to push.
Image Source: New Line Cinema
15 But it is time for an epidural, if you want one.
Image Source: Universal Studios
16 Your partner, who is just trying to help in any way, begins to feel personally attacked.
Image Source: Universal Studios
17 You're finally 10 centimeters dilated after what feels like days but suddenly don’t want to push.
Image Source: Lionsgate
18 You desperately ask if you can just keep the baby in there for a little longer because you're panicking.
Image Source: NBC
19 You begin to push and pray that you don’t poop on the table.
Image Source: Lionsgate
20 You poop on the table.
Image Source: Relativity Media
21 Through sweat and tears you continue to push until you feel like you’re literally being ripped apart from the inside out.
Image Source: Searchlight Pictures
22 The doctor says he sees the head and your partner either refuses to peek or looks like they’re about to faint at the sight.
Image Source: Universal Studios
23 At this point your intermittent profanities are connecting into one long string.
Image Source: Universal Studios
24 You push with all you have and tune out every other thing in the room, including your partner.
Image Source: NBC
25 Finally the baby makes their way completely out and you collapse in relief.
Image Source: Universal Studios
26 The baby is eventually handed to you and even though they’re covered in disgusting goop, they’re the most beautiful thing ever.
Image Source: ABC
27 All is well, until you’re told it’s time to deliver your placenta.
Image Source: NBC
28 Completely exhausted and devoid of dignity you declare to yourself, “I will make it known to this kid what he put me through."
Image Source: HBO
