Preparing for labor: What will happen during labor?

First stage (early)

Cervix effaces (thins) and dilates (opens).

May occur gradually over several days.

Most effacement, and dilation from 0 to 4 centimeters, occurs.

Lasts 8 to 10 hours or more for first baby.

Contractions last 30 to 40 seconds and begin every five minutes or so.

Contractions are mild to strong.

You may feel comfortable between contractions. You may feel nervous, nauseated, or excited.

Try to relax and work with the rhythm of your body.

First stage (active)

Dilation from 4 to 8 centimeters occurs.

Typically lasts 2 to 5 hours.

Contractions last 40 to 60 seconds.

Contractions are stronger.

Your attention is focused inward. You may have a dry mouth, chills, and nausea, or feel sweaty.

Concentrate on staying relaxed between contractions to conserve your energy.

First stage (transition)

Dilation from 8 to 10 centimeters occurs.

Can last 5 minutes to 2 hours or more.

Contractions last 60 to 90 seconds and begin every 90 seconds to 3 minutes.

Contractions are intense and close together.

You may have hiccups, nausea, vomiting, shaking, and pelvic pressure. You may feel like giving up.

Take one contraction at a time.

Second stage (pushing)

Uterus pushes baby out.

Typically lasts 30 minutes to 3 hours or more.

Contractions last about 60 seconds, with 2 to 5 minutes from the end of one contraction to the beginning of the next one.

You may experience a "rest period" before you get an urge to push. You might get a surge of energy.

Pushing can feel like pressure, stinging, burning or pain. Pushing can take a long or short time, depending on how well you push, the position of your baby, and the effects of medicine.

Focus on helping your uterus push your baby out.

Third stage (after birth)

The placenta separates from the uterine wall and is expelled.

Typically lasts 3 to 30 minutes after your baby's birth.

Contractions are less intense and may even be easy.

Push gently when your health care provider asks you to do so.