Stages of Labor: What To Expect During Labor & Delivery

The stages of labor explain what you can expect to happen from the start of regular contractions through the delivery of the placenta. Healthcare providers use these stages to ensure your labor is progressing in a healthy way. Each labor experience is unique. But knowing what to expect in general can help you feel more prepared. While pregnancy care providers know the general outline, they can’t predict how your labor will go. But rest assured that they’ll be by your side to guide you through the process. You have the shared goal of a healthy labor and delivery.

Overview of the Birthing Process

The stages of labor are the process through which you deliver your baby and the placenta from your uterus through your vagina. In general, the three stages of labor are:

• Stage 1: Labor (contractions)
• Stage 2: Pushing and birth
• Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta

Healthcare providers may call this “normal labor.” They use this definition and the stages to communicate effectively with each other and you. Just because you don’t go through every step of “normal” labor doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your birthing experience.

The First Stage of Labor

The first stage of labor begins with regular contractions. It ends with full dilation (opening) and effacement (thinning) of your cervix. Most healthcare providers will ask that you time your contractions. Regular contractions mean they’re strong and regularly spaced about three to five minutes apart. The first stage can last anywhere from 12 to 19 hours. If you’ve given birth before, you may go through this stage much faster.

Phases of the First Stage

This first stage has two phases:

• Early labor: This is when your cervix dilates to about 6 centimeters. Early labor typically lasts six to 12 hours.
• Active labor: This is when your cervix fully dilates to 10 centimeters. You may feel the urge to push. Active labor typically lasts four to eight hours.

Managing Labor Discomfort

During the first stage of labor, you may find it helpful to:

• Practice deep breathing.
• Use a birthing ball.
• Walk.
• Take a warm (not hot) bath or shower.
• Move around and change positions.
• Do gentle stretches.
• Meditate.

Having a labor support person is also very helpful. This could be your significant other, family member, friend or doula.

The Second and Third Stages

The second stage of labor begins with complete cervical dilation (10 centimeters). It ends with the delivery of your baby. It can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours. During the second stage of labor, contractions come every two to five minutes, lasting about 60 to 90 seconds. You’ll need to push when you have contractions but can rest between them. Your baby crowns, which is when their head begins to show. Once your baby is born, your provider cuts the umbilical cord.

The third stage of labor begins with the delivery of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. It’s the shortest stage and usually doesn’t last longer than 30 minutes.

Summary of Labor Stages