Preparing for labor: What happens during labor
When it is time for your baby to be born, the muscular wall of your uterus will start a pattern of tightening then relaxing (known as contractions). This action pulls on
your cervix, the opening of your uterus to the vagina. That makes the cervix begin to thin out or efface.
The contractions also push your baby down against the cervix. That makes your cervix open or dilate. Effacement and dilation are the work of the first stage of labor.
When the cervix is fully open so that your baby can pass through, contractions push your baby down your vagina and into the world. Your baby must turn in order to fit through your pelvis. This is the work of the second stage of labor.
After your baby is born, the placenta separates from the wall of your uterus. It only takes a few pushes to push out the placenta. This is the third stage of labor.
There are things you can do during your pregnancy that will help you feel ready to cope with labor. Taking childbirth classes, understanding the labor process, and knowing
how to work with your body will make you feel more confident about the birth process.
Many couples find childbirth classes a special time to be together. They can prepare for their new baby and focus on learning what to do during labor and birth.
Think of labor as being divided into stages and phases.
| Stage (phase) |
What happens |
How it feels |
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. |
How to tell if you're in labor Timing contractions Managing labor pain: Many options, your choice
 Back to Preparing for labor
|
| Pregnancy & Parenting Tips |
|
Print
Send
to a Friend
