Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta

After your baby is born, you'll likely feel a great sense of relief. You might hold the baby in your arms or on your belly. Cherish the moment. But there's still a little more to do. During the third stage of labor, you deliver the placenta.

How long it lasts: The placenta typically is delivered within 30 minutes.

What you can do: Relax! By now your focus has likely shifted to your baby. You might not be paying attention to what's going on around you. If you'd like, try breastfeeding your baby.

Mild, less painful contractions that are close together continue after delivery. The contractions help move the placenta into the birth canal. You push gently one more time to deliver the placenta. You might be given medicine before or after the placenta is delivered to encourage uterine contractions and minimize bleeding.

Your healthcare professional examines the placenta to make sure it's in one piece. If any pieces of the placenta are left in the uterus, they must be removed to prevent bleeding and infection. If you're interested, ask to see the placenta.

After you deliver the placenta, your uterus continues to contract to help it return to its usual size.

A member of your healthcare team may massage your belly. This helps the uterus contract to lessen bleeding.

Your healthcare professional checks to see whether you need repair of any tears of your vaginal area. If you didn't have an epidural, you'll receive an injection of local anesthetic in the area to be repaired.