Labor is often talked about as something unpredictable or overwhelming. While every birth is unique, labor is also a natural process with patterns, stages, and signs that your body is progressing and preparing for baby to be born very soon. When you understand what those stages look like and what is happening in your body, you can determine the best actions to support your body in each stage and approach birth with more confidence.
Stage 1:
Early Labor
Begins with mild, irregular contractions that gradually get longer, stronger and closer together over time. The cervix dilates (opens) up to ~6cm. The early stage of labor is the longest phase, lasting a few hours up to 24+ hours. It’s said that labor is quicker for women in their subsequent pregnancies, however this is not always the case. Common signs in early labor include mild contractions, backache and release of the mucus plug though not every woman will notice their mucus plug.
Active Labor
Contractions become more consistent and progressive, continuing to get longer, stronger and closer together. The cervix dilates up to ~8cm. The active phase on average lasts ~8-15 hours. Here, you will notice more intense sensations, rectal pressure (especially at the peak of contractions), nausea and feeling a zone-like state known as ‘labor haze.’ Active labor is typically the time to head to your birthing location.
Transition
Transition can be the most intense part of labor, BUT is typically the shortest phase! Contractions intensify and occur every ~2-3 minutes, lasting up to 2 minutes long which can leave little break time in between. The cervix is dilated up to ~8-10cm and is 100% effaced (or thinned out and prepared for the upcoming pushing stage). Common signs of transition include intense rectal pressure, shakiness, nausea/vomiting and sweating. Emotional and physical support are critical as transition can feel overwhelming.
Stage 2:
Pushing Stage
The pushing phase is characterized by a brief resting (latent) phase first, followed by the actual pushing (active) phase. The resting phase can last a few minutes up to an hour and occurs immediately after full cervical dilation. Contractions may slow or temporarily stop, allowing the woman to rest before active pushing starts. Through uterine contractions and gravity, baby continues to descend through the pelvis without active pushing, sometimes referred to as ‘laboring down’ which can reduce exhaustion and save extra energy for pushing. The final phase before meeting your baby is active pushing! As baby gets lower into position, they are now ready to be pushed out. You often will have a strong urge to push (can be more noticeable in an unmedicated birth) and won’t need to wonder if it is time to push. Pushing can last a few minutes up to a couple of hours. Rectal pressure through the resting and active pushing phases remains constant and can become intense and overwhelming, especially when pushing, and you may find yourself being more vocal and groaning. The perineum (the area of skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and anal sphincter) stretches as baby’s head emerges in a process called ‘crowning.’ Crowning can create a burning sensation known as ‘the ring of fire.’ While you may want to forcibly push through it, this intense sensation tells you to slow down your pushing so that your uterus can do the extra work in pushing your baby out. Avoiding forceful pushing through this sensation allows time for tissues to stretch to prevent tearing. Breathing techniques are also supportive to relax pelvic floor muscles and manage pain as you ‘breathe your baby out.’
Stage 3:
Placental Stage
The placental stage includes a short resting (latent) phase immediately after baby is born followed by an active phase of ‘birthing’ the placenta. During the resting phase, there is a brief pause in contractions as you hold your baby and feel suspended in time. This phase usually lasts a few minutes. And lastly, the active phase consists of mild contractions that help detach the placenta from the uterine wall. With gentle pushing, the placenta slides out and is not typically a painful experience.
4 Signs That Labor is Progressing
Regular Contractions: contractions that become longer, stronger and closer together often signal that your body is moving further into labor
Cervical Dilation: during labor, the cervix gradually opens to allow baby to move through the birth canal. Active labor begins when the cervix is ~6-8cm dilated
Effacement: in addition to dilating, the cervix also begins to thin and soften. This process, called effacement, helps prepare the body for baby’s birth
Rupture of Membranes (“Water Breaking”): the amniotic sac may rupture before labor starts or at any point during labor. When this rupture happens, it’s another sign that your body is progressing towards birth