Understanding Stages of Labour: What Happens During Childbirth

Key Takeaways About the Stages of Labour:

• Labour usually occurs in 3 stages, ending with the birth of the baby and delivery of the placenta, but the timing varies among expectants.
• Stronger, closer contractions and steady cervical opening are all normal signs of labour progress.
• There are various ways to relieve labour pain, such as breathing techniques, walking, and changing positions, depending on what is right for you.
• If anything feels unusual, such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or decreased movement of the baby, it is always important to reach a doctor or hospital without delay.

It is normal to feel unsure or uneasy about what to expect during labour, especially with a first pregnancy. Understanding the normal stages of childbirth can help you identify healthy progress and know when you need medical attention.

In medical terms, labour takes place in 3 stages: cervical dilation, baby birth, and placenta delivery. The timing differs from person to person, but the sequence itself is generally the same.

What Are the Three Stages of Labour?

The three stages of labour describe the process from the start of regular contractions to the delivery of the placenta. These stages are:

• First stage of labour – softening, thinning, and opening of the cervix
• Second stage of labour – the baby passes through the birth canal and is born
• Third stage of labour – the placenta (also called afterbirth) separates from the uterus and comes out

The length and intensity of each stage will vary depending on whether this is your first birth, the position of your baby, and your general state of health.

1.  First Stage of Labour

The first stage is usually the longest. During this phase, the cervix dilates from a completely closed state to 10 centimetres (cm), which is considered fully open for the birth.

Early labour:

Early labour tends to begin gradually, and the cervix may open less than 6 cm. Contractions may feel like period cramps or lower back pain and can be irregular at first. This period may last for hours or even days, especially when you are a first-time mother.

Common signs include:

• Mild, spaced-out contractions
• Passage of the mucus plug or “bloody show”
• Lower pelvic pressure
• Water breaking (in some cases)

Because contractions are still manageable, many remain at home, rest, hydrate, and prepare for hospital admission, especially when pregnancy is low-risk.

You may do the following to ensure your comfort during this phase:

• Go for a walk, not a very long one
• Take a shower or bath
• Listen to soothing music
• Try the breathing or relaxation exercises described in the childbirth class
• Change positions

Active labour:

The active labour stage begins when the cervix dilates to around 6 cm, and these contractions are stronger, longer, and closer together. It is at this point that labour is said to be established. It lasts for between 4 and 8 hours or longer for first-time mothers.

Typical features of active labour:

• Contractions every 3-5 minutes
• Increasing pain or pressure
• Cervix dilating more quickly - around 1 cm per hour on average
• Possible shaking, chills, and sweating, which are normal hormonal responses
• Difficulty walking or talking due to uterine contractions
• Need for focused breathing or pain relief

Try the following to stay comfortable during the active phase:

• Change positions
• Roll on a large rubber ball, also known as a birthing ball
• Take a warm bath or shower, not hot
• Take a walk and breathe in through contractions
• Have a gentle massage between contractions

Having a support person can be very useful. The support person can be your spouse, a family member, or a friend. Doctors generally advise going to the hospital at this time.

2. Second Stage of Labour (Delivery of the Baby)

The second stage of labour begins at 10 cm dilation of the cervix and ends with the birth of the baby. It can range from a few minutes to several hours, depending on your first birth, the position of the baby, and the epidural anaesthesia.

During the second stage of labour, you may notice:

• Contractions last from 60-90 seconds and occur every 2-5 minutes
• Strong pressure in the pelvis or the rectum
• Feeling the urge to push during contractions (you can rest between contractions, and your doctor might tell you when to push)
• Crowning is when the head of your baby begins to emerge, which can result in stretching or burning
• Delivery of the baby as your doctor guides them out of the vagina
• Once the baby is out, the doctor cuts off the umbilical cord

With guidance from your care team, pushing helps move the baby through the birth canal until the head and shoulders are delivered. This is what most people call “the birth.”

3. Third Stage of Labour (Delivery of the Placenta)

After the baby is born, the contractions will continue to aid in the separation of the placenta. The 3rd stage of labour will take 5 to 30 minutes.

You may observe:

• Mild cramping
• A small gush of blood
• Continued tightening of the uterus
• Feel chills or feverish - less common

The medical staff verify that the placenta is complete and there is no excessive bleeding to reduce the possibility of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).

Signs Labour Is Progressing Normally

Although labour is exhausting, several signs suggest that things are coming along as expected:

• Contractions get stronger, longer, and closer together
• Cervical dilation continues to increase steadily
• The baby slowly descends into the pelvis
• Pain moves places and often from back to front
• Clear or slightly blood-tinged discharge is visible

It is important to monitor the baby’s heartbeat and the mother’s vital signs at regular intervals to ensure healthy progress.

Also Read: Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Possible Complications During Labour

Most births are safe, but some complications can occur and need medical attention. For instance:

• Slow or stagnant labour, where dilation stops advancing
• Fetal distress, including abnormal heart rate
• Excessive bleeding prior to or after birth
• Problems with the umbilical cord, such as cord prolapse
• Need for assisted delivery using forceps, vacuum or caesarean section

Prompt medical attention helps minimise the risk, and that is why giving birth in a properly equipped medical facility is recommended.

Pain Management Options During Labour

Labour pain is real, but there are many ways of coping with it safely:

• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Warm showers or water immersion
• Gentle movement, walking, or changing positions
• Massage or counter-pressure on the lower back
• Support from a partner or a doula (a professional who assists a woman before, during, and after childbirth)

The most effective pain relief is through epidural anaesthesia. However, this should be done under your doctor’s guidance.

When to Go to the Hospital or Call Your Doctor

You should call the doctor or go to the hospital if you notice:

• Contractions every 3-5 minutes for about an hour
• Breaking of water, especially in green or brown fluid
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Intense abdominal pain during contractions
• Reduced fetal movements
• Headache, fever, or change in vision

When in doubt, it is always better to be on the safe side and call a doctor.

Also Read: MTP in Second Trimester: Symptoms & Type of Procedure Involved

Summary

Labour takes place in three stages: cervical dilation, birth of the baby and delivery of the placenta. Each parent experiences childbirth differently, but knowing these developmental stages can help make childbirth less painful and more predictable.

Understanding progress patterns and seeking timely medical attention can help you have a safer and more confident birth.