Whether you’re becoming a mom for the first time or expanding your family with another child, each birth experience is totally unique. However, the stages of childbirth do follow a specific “pattern.”
By understanding the stages of childbirth, you can know what to expect in labor and how to cope. This helps many women and their partners have an easier birth experience. If you have a doula to assist with labor and birth, she can help you during each of the stages of labor.
First of all, always remember there’s no right or wrong way to give birth. Labor can be a beautiful process for some women, while others may find it to be the most physically and emotionally challenging experience of their lives. For many women, it’s both.
Let’s face it: Nothing can completely prepare you for the experience of birthing a child, but it can help to learn what to expect during each stage of labor. In general, childbirth is divided into three stages. Here’s a breakdown of each of the three stages.
First Stage of Labor
In general, the first stage of labor is the longest, and is itself divided into three phases, each with its own unique features and challenges.
Phase 1: Early labor
The first phase is called early labor. It’s just that: During this phase, your body is preparing to give birth. Your cervix dilates to three centimeters, and mild, irregular contractions begin. This is when you might be wondering whether you’re even in labor. During the early labor phase, you may experience the following:
- Contractions that feel like menstrual cramps, aching in your lower back, or pressure in the pelvic region
- Contractions lasting between 30 and 45 seconds, with a rest period in between lasting from 5 to 30 minutes
- Water (amniotic sac fluid) may break
The early labor phase can last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Although it may not be the most comfortable, it isn’t necessary to rush to the hospital or birthing center during this phase (unless you have underlying health issues). Stay hydrated, eat healthy snacks or light meals, and continue to urinate as usual.
If you have a doula, you may want to call her or check in via text. Begin timing your contractions and note their intensity. When your water breaks, be sure to note the time as well as the color and odor of the fluid.
Most importantly, relax and conserve your energy. This is easier said than done, as some women may feel anxious or impatient during early labor. But relaxing actually helps labor progress. So try a calming activity like listening to soft music, an adult coloring book, or a guided meditation. If you enter the early phase at night, try to sleep.
Phase 2: Active labor
Next comes the active labor phase. If you’re going to a hospital or birthing center, it’s time to leave! Make sure your partner and your doula (if you have one) are present to support you. The active labor phase usually lasts between three and five hours.
During the active phase, you can expect everything to become much more intense. Contractions become much stronger and much closer together. On average, they will last about 45–60 seconds, with only three to five minutes of rest in between. Your cervix will dilate to seven centimeters during active labor.
To cope with this stage of childbirth, we recommend doing the following:
- Change positions often
- Take short walks around the room, if possible
- Continue to drink plenty of water
- Have a partner or doula massage your abdomen and lower back
- Practice breathing techniques
Phase 3: Transition phase
After the active phase, your body begins the transition phase. The transition phase only lasts between 30 minutes and two hours. However, it is widely considered the most difficult part of the stages of childbirth.
In the transition phase, the cervix dilates from 7 to 10 centimeters. Contractions become extremely intense, often overlapping. They may last for 60 or even 90 seconds, with a rest period between 30 seconds and two minutes. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, gas, hot flashes, or chills.
During the transition phase, the body releases a surge of hormones. Many women feel scared, anxious, angry, or want to give up. You may feel like you can’t do it. That’s normal! And it can help to keep those fearful feelings at bay by remembering they are normal and that entering transition means you are so close. You’ve got this.
To help prepare for the transition phase, talk to your partner about what to expect. Let him or her know that hyperbole is super common, as is a sense of fear or wanting to give up. You might try to plan ahead; for example, you might decide that you want to spend transition in the tub. If you’ve talked it over with your partner beforehand, then he or she can support you fully and help advocate for you if you need it.
Second Stage of Labor
The second stage of labor is the moment you’ve been waiting for: the birth of your child! For most women, this stage lasts between 20 minutes and two hours. Contractions will continue at high intensity and high frequency, and you’ll begin to feel strong pressure at your rectum.
In the first of the three stages of childbirth, your body has been preparing itself to deliver your newborn. Now, you’ll begin to feel an urge to push. (Or you’ll be told it’s time to push.) Get into a position that lets gravity assist you, relax your pelvic floor, and push during contractions. From movies, you’ll likely be familiar with a bed-bound position. It’s not uncommon for birth to happen in bed, with women lifting their legs and feet, to support the pushing. Many physical therapists recommend the second stage be approached on hands and knees, as this can help relax the perineum and is said to prevent tearing. Work with your birth team to figure out the best position for you! Breathe out as you push, and be sure to rest in between pushes.
Sometimes, the baby’s head begins to emerge and then slips back into the birth canal. This is common, so don’t get discouraged! Eventually, the baby’s head will crown. During crowning, you may experience a burning or stinging sensation, and your provider will advise you to stop pushing. The second stage of childbirth ends when your baby is delivered.
Third Stage of Labor
After the baby comes, it’ll feel like you’re all done. But the third and final stage is actually the delivery of your placenta (also known as afterbirth) and lasts between 5 and 30 minutes.
During this stage, the doctor may gently pull on the umbilical cord to release the placenta. It’s normal to experience shivering or shaking during this stage. It’s very likely that you’ll also feel exhausted—after all, you’ve just given birth! This may feel relatively trivial following the birth of your baby but some women find the delivery of the placenta to be trying. Every birth is different.