Stages of Labor

Please remember that all labor experiences are different and may be different within the same person.

Childbirth is divided into 3 stages. Within those three stages of labor, there are three phases which all fall into the first stage of labor.

Stage 1:

Early Labor (Phase 1/Stage 1) 8-9 hours:

During this stage of childbirth, everything will occur except for the birth of your baby. Your labor will begin with the early phase of labor. This will last approximately 8-9 hours (that is if you are not being induced - see inducing labor). Some women will not realize they have begun labor until the end of this early phase.

You will dilate up to 3 cm during this phase of labor. The contractions will be 30-45 seconds longs and come every 20 to 5 minutes apart. These contractions are mild and comparable to menstrual cramps. You may have a backache, mild diarrhea, and become very excited that the time has finally come.

Active Labor (Phase 2/Stage 1) 3-4 hours:

You will dilate from 4 to 7 cm during this active phase of labor. The contractions will last from 45-60 seconds and come every 5 to 2 minutes apart. The contractions are becoming stronger during this phase. Your membranes may rupture during this time if they have not already done so. You may have an increase in backache and become very serious during this phase. You may feel an increase in your concentration and apprehension about childbirth. Many women begin to feel uncertain at this point. You may feel panicky and worried that you will not be able to go through childbirth.

Transition Phase (Phase 3/Stage 1) 10-60 minutes:

This is the hardest stage of labor! You will dilate 8 to 10 cm during this phase. The contractions will last 60-120 seconds and your rest periods will be short and last approximately 30 to 90 seconds. The contractions are very intense during this phase. You may feel like you want to push at this time, but your doctor will tell you to wait until they tell you to push.

Some women experience nausea and vomiting during this phase. You may feel very sleepy and doze between contractions. Your mood may change to very irritable. You may feel like giving up. You may have hot flashes, chills and body trembling. If you did not have an epidural, you may have a severe lower backache. You may also feel a lot of pressure in the rectal area.

Stage 2:

Birth of the Baby 20 minutes to 2 hours:

Your contractions will shorten and you will have more time in between contractions to rest. You will get a "second wind" of strength.

Your urge to push will almost be uncontrollable or will be uncontrollable. If you have an epidural, you may not feel this urge to push and you will have to watch the monitor to know when you do have a contraction or the doctor will tell you when to push.

The contractions during this phase last approximately 50-90 seconds and come every 2 to 5 minutes. You may have extreme back and rectal pressure. If you are having natural childbirth or medication such as demerol, you will feel a pins and needle type sensation in your vaginal area from the baby's head crowning.

Stage 3:

Delivery of the Placenta 5 to 20 minutes:

You may have mild contractions during the delivery of the placenta. The placenta detaches from the uterus and is pushed out either by you actually pushes or by your body taking over and pushing on its own.