Stages of Childbirth

Childbirth has three stages: labor, delivery, and delivery of the placenta.

The First Stage of Childbirth: Labor

Labor has three parts:

The first part of labor is called early or latent labor. This is usually the longest part. It’s usually the least painful, too.

• Real contractions begin. Contractions are when the muscles of the uterus tighten and then relax. The feelings usually start in the lower back and travel to the belly. Some contractions are felt only in your back. Others are felt only in your belly. Contractions usually start about 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 30 to 45 seconds.
• The cervix dilates to open 3 centimeters across. It gets thinner. This can happen over a period of days or weeks. You may not even be aware of it. Or it can happen with stronger contractions over a period of 2 to 6 hours. Rarely, it could take up to 24 hours with the stronger contractions.

Call your health care provider during the first part of labor. Your provider may tell you to go to the hospital or birthing center. Make sure you’re packed!

The second part is called active labor. This part of labor is usually shorter than the first part. On average, it lasts 2 to 3 hours. But its length can vary greatly. If you’re not already at the hospital or birthing center, you should get there early in this part of labor. Signs of this part of labor:

• Contractions are stronger. They come more often, usually every 3 to 4 minutes. They last longer, from 40 to 60 seconds each.
• The cervix dilates to 7 centimeters. That’s about the size of the rim of a coffee mug.

The third part is called advanced active labor or transition. It is the most tiring part. But it is also the shortest. The average length is 15 to 60 minutes. Here are signs that you are in transition:

• Contractions are even stronger. They come every 2 to 3 minutes. Each lasts 60 to 90 seconds.
• The cervix dilates fully. It opens 7 to 10 centimeters. That’s about the size of a small grapefruit.

The Second Stage of Childbirth: Delivery