The Stages Of Labor

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The Three Stages Of Labor

The stages of labor can be split into three categories. The first stage is when you notice the onset of contractions. These will progress allowing your cervix to open ready for the birth. The first stage of labor is divided into 2 more phases, early (latent) labor, and active labor.

The second stage starts once your cervix is fully dilated, it ends when you actually give birth to your baby.

The third stage starts as soon as your baby has been born, and ends with the delivery of the placenta.

Every woman's labor is different. Every labor for each women is usually different too. With your first baby your labor is normally longer, and can last up to 20 hours or more. Women who have already had a vaginal birth will normally find that their labor progresses more quickly than the first time.

Lets have a closer look at the three stages of labor.

Stages of labor - Stage one

Early labor

You are officially in labor once your contractions become regular, and when the cervix starts to thin and dilate. During this labor stage, your contractions should start to get longer with less time in between each one. An example would be that at first your contractions may be every ten to twelve minutes, lasting for 20 to 30 seconds each. They will be bearable, maybe more niggly and uncomfortable than actually painful. As your labor progresses, your contractions will be every 5 minutes or so, and last for around a minute. There is no time limit to how long this early labor stage will last, it could be 12 hours, maybe more.

Active Labor.

Active labor starts when your contractions really get going. Your cervix will start to dilate more quickly now. It has to dilate to 10 centimetres before you can start to push. This active labor stage sees your contractions become much more intense, you will probably not be able to talk and carry on with normal routine things through your contractions.

When your cervix gets to 8cm through to 10cm, this is called the transition stage. Your contractions may be coming as soon as every 2 to 3 minutes and will be very strong, they can last a minute or longer. Active labor can last for around 4 to 8 hours, but there are no rules. It could be a lot sooner, or a lot longer!

Stages of labor - Stage two

This is the stage where your cervix is fully dilated and your midwife will advise you to start pushing with every contraction. This is where the hard work really starts. This second stage can last for several minutes to a few hours! The end of the second stage happens when have given birth to your baby.

Stages of labor - Stage three

In this, the final labor stage, your uterus will once again start to contract. These contractions will separate the placenta from the uterus wall, and you may be asked to give one or two final pushes to expel the placenta. This is usually not painful, and this stage will only normally last for around 10 minutes. By this stage you probably won't even notice what's going on around you, as your eyes will be firmly planted on your baby!

That's it, that is what labor is all about! From that first contraction it's a good idea to try and stay focused on what actual outcome of this tiring stage will be.... The birth of your much awaited baby!

For a more detailed look at the stages of labor and to read my labor story (first baby 27 hours - second baby 14 hours) click here. Or if you want to see the real thing - Real women giving birth to their baby's, click here.

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