Labor is a natural, three-stage process that is unique to each person who gives birth. For some, one stage may last hours, while others might breeze through it and move onto the next stage. Though it’s impossible to predict how your labor and delivery will go, understanding what to expect can help you feel more informed and ease anxiety.
What Are the Three Stages?
Labor is the process of delivering your baby and the placenta from your uterus through your vagina. Though some mothers may have a C-section delivery, the stages of vaginal birthing and C-section delivery are quite different.
Vaginal birth laboring has three stages:
- The first stage: Cervical dilation
- The second stage: Pushing and birth of the baby
- The third stage: Delivery of the placenta
During your labor, your OB-GYN will monitor your progress and help guide decision-making to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
First Stage
The first stage begins when you feel ongoing contractions. As this stage progresses, the contractions will become stronger and more frequent, causing the cervix to open. This is called cervical dilation. Your contractions will soften, shorten and thin the cervix in a process called effacement, which allows the baby to move more easily from your uterus into the birth canal.
Many OB-GYNs will ask you to time your contractions. To do this, begin counting the seconds from the start of one contraction to the start of the next. Regular contractions that are strong and healthy will be spaced about three to five minutes apart. Braxton Hicks contractions, or “false labor” contractions, are more irregular and do not happen more frequently with time. These types of contractions often stop or ease when you rest, walk or change positions, and do not indicate your labor has begun.
Your OB-GYN will help confirm whether your contractions are Braxton Hicks contractions or if they are regular contractions that indicate the first stage of labor has begun.
The first stage has two phases:
- Early labor: Your cervix dilates to about 6 centimeters. This phase typically lasts between six and 12 hours.
- Active labor: Your cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters. You may feel an urge to push. This phase lasts four to eight hours.
Your OB-GYN may tell you that it is safe to be home for the early labor phase, but you should prepare to leave for your birthing center as soon as possible and arrive to the hospital by the time you reach active labor.
Second Stage
The second stage of labor starts with complete cervical dilation (10 centimeters) and ends with the delivery of your baby. This stage can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours.
Once your cervix is fully dilated, the fetus descends into the birthing canal (the vagina). The following things also occur during the second stage of labor:
- Contractions come every two to five minutes, lasting between 60 and 90 seconds
- You’ll push during contractions, but can rest in between
- Your baby crowns (their head begins to push outside the vagina)
- Your provider guides your baby outside of the vagina to deliver them
- Once the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord is cut
Third Stage
The third stage of labor begins with the delivery of your baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta, a temporary organ that forms in your uterus during pregnancy to support the baby’s growth and nutrition. This is the shortest stage of labor and lasts about 30 minutes at most.
During the third stage of labor, contractions will begin five to 30 minutes after the delivery of your baby. You may need to push during the contractions to help move the placenta forward.
You may experience heavy vagina bleeding during or after the delivery of the placenta, and some women experience chills or feel feverish. Let your OB-GYN know if you feel any of these symptoms.
After Delivery
Every provider is different, but generally, once your baby has been delivered, your provider will place them on your chest and cover them with a blanket. Holding your baby skin-to-skin helps promote bonding and keeps your baby warm as they get used to life outside of the womb. You can even begin breastfeeding as soon as an hour after your baby’s delivery.
Your provider will also check the health of both you and your baby, keeping an eye on vital signs like your heart rate and blood pressure. If you had anesthesia during your labor, your provider will ensure you’re recovering without any complications.
Your Labor, Your Experience
The stages of labor describe a process of birthing a child, but every labor and delivery is different. Some birthing parents may choose to be medicated while others may opt out. One person’s labor may last 12 hours, while another might move through the three stages at a much faster rate.
Regardless of how quickly or easily you move through labor and delivery, birthing a baby is real work. As you prepare for your delivery, remember that being informed about what’s ahead can help you feel confident and empowered throughout your parenting journey.