6.12 – Stages of Labor

Labor is divided into three main stages. The first stage starts with regular contractions that open up the cervix. This is called dilation. The second stage is when the baby moves through the birth canal. This is called delivery or descent. And the third and final stage is when the placenta is delivered.

The first stage of labor is the longest stage and can be further divided into two phases: early labor and active labor. Early labor is when contractions begin to happen more frequently but are not yet regular. They might be spaced out every 15 minutes or so and last for about 30 seconds each. This phase can last for several hours or even days. Active labor is when contractions become regular, occurring every five minutes or less and lasting for about 60 seconds each. This is the shortest phase of labor, and usually lasts for two to four hours.

The second stage of labor is when the baby moves through the birth canal. This can be a very short phase, lasting just a few minutes, or it can be a long phase, lasting several hours.

The third and final stage of labor is when the placenta is delivered. This usually happens within 30 minutes after the baby is born but can take up to an hour.

It is important to remember that every labor is different and there is no one “right” way to do things. What matters most is that you and your baby are safe and healthy at the end of it all.