Labor has three stages: the first stage includes early labor, active labor, and transition; the second stage is pushing and delivery; and the third stage is delivery of the placenta. The duration of labor varies, but first-time mothers can expect around 15 hours, while subsequent births average around eight hours. The first stage involves contractions that thin and open the cervix, while the second stage involves pushing the baby out. The third stage is the delivery of the placenta.
There are three main stages of labor. The first stage, which includes early labor, active labor, and transition, is followed by the second stage, which includes pushing and delivery, and the third stage, which is delivery of the placenta. Women going through their first birth can expect a longer labor, usually around 15 hours. After her first birth, a woman can expect an average of eight hours of labor. Of course, since all women and parties are different, it can vary significantly in both directions.
First stage:
Early labor begins with contractions that gain intensity and regularity. They should not be confused with Braxton Hicks contractions, which are “exercise” contractions that the uterus performs during pregnancy. These tend to last longer, are more painful, and are closer together. Their function is to clear and dilate the cervix, which means to thin and open, respectively.
Women may also experience a slimy, blood-tinged vaginal discharge known as a “blood show.” This stage of first stage labor averages about eight hours, although it’s difficult to pin down an exact amount of time. Once you’re in early labor, it might be a good idea to call your doctor.
Active labor begins when the cervix dilates from about three to four centimeters to about eight. At this point, the contractions are very intense and usually painful. Women find contractions during the active stage of labor difficult or impossible to cope with. The contractions last about 60 seconds and occur every five minutes for at least an hour. The average woman dilates four to ten centimeters in about six hours, depending on whether pitocin or an epidural was given.
The transition is characterized by the completion of the dilation of the cervix, eight to ten centimeters. This is known as the most intense stage of labor, characterized by extremely strong and painful contractions every two to three minutes. The child descended into the pelvis, putting additional pressure on the rectum.
The water bag has usually ruptured by this point and there is blood oozing. Women can suffer from an intense need to push at this point. This stage of labor can take just a couple of minutes up to several hours. If you’ve had other children, this stage of labor can go pretty quickly.
Second phase:
The second stage of labor, pushing, occurs after the cervix has fully dilated. This is considered a slightly easier phase to manage than transitioning, because pushing helps. Women can try different positions to find the one that works best for thrusting. As the baby travels through the birth canal, there is extreme pressure on the perineum, the area between the rectum and the vagina. Your doctor or midwife will stretch your vagina and perineum to prevent tearing.
Once the widest part of the baby’s head is out, an event called a crowning, the doctor will maneuver the baby’s head to help the shoulders cope. Some women are able to push the baby out with just a few pushes, while others work for hours. Unfortunately for some, this is where an emergency C-section needs to be performed if the baby cannot make it past the birth canal.
Third Phase:
The third and final stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta. Continuous, smaller contractions separate the placenta from the wall of the uterus. Just one or a few small pushes release the placenta, usually taking only five to 30 minutes.
After the placenta has been examined to see if it’s complete, your doctor and nurses check your uterus to make sure it’s contracting properly and firming up. If there was an injury to the perineum or an episiotomy, your doctor or midwife will stitch it up. Many women feel elated and relieved at this stage, as the pain of childbirth is behind them and they have their new baby in their arms.
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