Overview:
Labor and delivery are divided into three distinct stages, each playing a vital role in bringing your baby into the world. Knowing what to expect at each stage can help you feel more prepared and in control of your birthing experience.
Stage 1: Early Labor to Full Dilation (0–10 cm)
This is the longest of the three stages and is broken down into two key phases:
🌀 Early Labor (Latent Phase):
- Cervical dilation: 0 to 6 cm
- Contractions: Mild to moderate, irregular at first (5–20 minutes apart)
- Duration: Several hours to days, especially in first-time pregnancies
- What to do: Stay home, hydrate, rest, walk around if comfortable, and time contractions
🔥 Active Labor:
- Cervical dilation: 6 to 10 cm
- Contractions: Stronger, longer (45–60 seconds), more frequent (3–5 minutes apart)
- Duration: Typically 4–8 hours, but varies
- Signs: Increasing discomfort, bloody show, back pain, nausea
- Tip: Head to the hospital or birth center when contractions are 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour (“5-1-1 rule”)
✅ This stage ends when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm.
Stage 2: Pushing and Birth of the Baby
This is the “delivery” stage, where you help push your baby through the birth canal.
- Begins: Once cervix is fully dilated (10 cm)
- Ends: With the birth of your baby
- Duration: 20 minutes to 2 hours, possibly longer for first-time moms
- Sensations: Intense pressure, urge to bear down
- Support: Medical team will guide your pushing efforts, coach your breathing, and monitor the baby’s heart rate
🩺 Note: If labor stalls or complications arise, assisted delivery (vacuum, forceps, or C-section) may be considered.
Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta
After your baby is born, there’s still one more step — delivering the placenta.
- Duration: Typically 5 to 30 minutes
- Contractions: Mild cramping helps expel the placenta
- Signs it’s coming: A gush of blood, lengthening of the umbilical cord, and a feeling of relief
- Medical care: Your provider will ensure the entire placenta is delivered to prevent bleeding or infection
🧡 Fun fact: Some parents choose to keep the placenta for cultural or personal reasons — discuss with your provider in advance if this interests you.
👩⚕️ OB-GYN Advice:
- Every labor experience is different. Don’t compare timelines or pain levels.
- Stay in communication with your care team and ask questions.
- Breathing techniques, movement, and emotional support can help manage pain and stress during all stages.
📌 Summary Table of Labor Stages
| Stage | What Happens | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Cervix dilates from 0–10 cm | Several hours to over 24 hours |
| Stage 2 | Pushing and birth of baby | 20 minutes to 2+ hours |
| Stage 3 | Delivery of placenta | 5–30 minutes |
