First Stage of Labor
The first stage of labor begins with the
onset of labor until the cervix is completely
dilated to 10 centimeters. The first stage
of labor averages 10 to 12 hours for first
time moms and 6 to 8 hours for moms who
have given birth before. The first stage
of labor can be divided further into phases:
the latent phase, the active phase, and
the transition phase.
Latent phase
The latent phase of the first stage of
labor describes the period of early labor
when a woman first begins to dilate. The
contractions are usually mild starting
at 5 to 10 minutes apart and gradually
increasing in strength, duration, and
frequency. The latent phase of labor lasts
around eight hours for first time moms
and can be considerably shorter in moms
who have given birth before. During the
latent phase your cervix will begin to
dilate and efface. At the end of the latent
phase you will reach 3 to 4 centimeters.
You may feel excited and anxious.
Active phase
During the active phase of labor contractions
will intensify in pain, become closer
together, and last for longer periods
of time. You may be more anxious during
this phase and a good support coach may
help keep you feeling in control. This
is likely the time you will be administered
pain medication if desired. During the
active phase of labor contractions will
be about 2 to 3 minutes apart and last
anywhere from 40 to 60 seconds. By the
end of the active phase of labor contractions
will be very strong and your cervix should
be dilated to around 7 centimeters.
Transition phase
The final phase of the first stage of
labor is the transition phase. You will
begin transition at seven centimeters
and it ends when your cervix is fully
dilated at ten centimeters. The transition
phase is very intense. Contractions come
about every 1 1/2 to 2 minutes and will
last 60 to 90 seconds. The contractions
may feel as they are coming one on top
of the other and you may feel anxious
and panicked. Fast short breaths may help
you to stay calm or you may be unable
to stay calm at all. Towards the end of
the transition phase you may feel the
urge to bear down or an urge to have a
bowel movement. The transition phase averages
1 to 3 hours and can be shorter for moms
who have given birth before.
Second stage of labor
The second stage of labor begins when you
are fully dilated and ends with the birth
of your baby. The second stage of labor
should be less than 2 hours for the first
time mom and less than 1 hour for moms who
have given birth before. This is when the
pushing part of labor begins. You will bear
down using the same muscles as you use to
have a bowel movement. As the baby descends
his head will begin to crown. Crowning is
often accompanied by a sense of relief as
labor is almost over and birth imminent.
Once crowning occurs usually only a few
more pushes are needed to deliver you baby.
Third stage of labor
The third stage of labor is the delivery
of the placenta. Within minutes after the
birth of your baby the placenta will begin
to show signs of separation. Once signs
of separation occur your doctor or midwife
will encourage you to push again to expel
the placenta. She may pull gently on the
cord to help you to expel it.
Fourth stage of labor
Some sources also recognize a fourth stage of labor.
The fourth stage of labor begins after the placenta
is expelled and continues during the recovery phase
after birth. The fourth stage of labor refers to the
3 to 4 hours after birth when your uterus begins to
contract back in place and your body returns to normal.
