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Stages of Labour

What happens, and how long each stage lasts

Labour is divided into three stages. The first stage starts when your body begins to open the cervix, and ends when the cervix is fully open. The second stage is the birth of your baby. The third stage is the delivery of the placenta.

Every labour is different. Some women move through the stages quickly; others take longer, especially with a first baby. The descriptions below give you a sense of what to expect, but your midwife will keep you informed about how your individual labour is progressing.

The three stages of labour

Stage 1: The First Stage (the cervix opening)

What’s happening The first stage of labour begins when your cervix starts to soften, shorten, and open. By the end of this stage, the cervix is fully open (10 cm dilated), ready for your baby to be born.

This stage has two parts:

  • Latent phase (early labour): The cervix is thinning and starting to open. Contractions are short (30 to 40 seconds) and irregular. They may feel like period pain. You can usually still talk through them. Most women spend this phase at home.
  • Established (active) labour: Once your contractions are around five minutes apart, a minute or more long, and have been getting stronger for at least two hours, labour is “established.” This is when you should come into the hospital.

How long it lasts Very variable. For a first baby, established labour often takes 8 to 12 hours; for a subsequent baby, often less. The latent phase can last hours or days.

In this stage you might:

  • Want to stay active. Walk, sway, lean on walls or your partner, or use a birthing ball.
  • Try a warm bath or shower for comfort.
  • Use breathing techniques, music, or hypnobirthing tracks you have practised.
  • Start to think about pain relief if you would like it.
  • Have your waters break (this can happen at any point in labour)

Stage 2: The Second Stage (the birth of your baby)

What’s happening The second stage begins when your cervix is fully open and ends with the birth of your baby. Your contractions usually feel different now; many women describe a strong, involuntary urge to push.

Your midwife will guide you when to push and when to ease off. Gentle, controlled pushing helps protect your perineum and gives your baby’s head time to ease through.

How long it lasts Typically up to two hours for a first baby, often less for a subsequent baby. Sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. Your team will keep you informed and will help you find positions that work.

In this stage you might:

  • Try different positions: kneeling, on your side, standing, or on a birthing stool. The bed is not the only option.
  • Feel a hot, stretching sensation as your baby’s head crowns. This is normal.
  • Have a warm compress applied to your perineum, if you wish, to help it stretch and reduce tearing.
  • Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby straight after birth, if all is well.
  • Decide (with your partner) whether to cut your baby’s cord, and whether to wait for “optimal cord clamping” before it is cut.

Stage 3: The Third Stage (delivery of the placenta)

What’s happening After your baby is born, your contractions continue (more mildly), and the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus and is delivered. Your midwife will check the placenta to make sure it has come away completely.

How long it lasts Usually 5 to 30 minutes.

In this stage you might:

  • Be offered an injection (Syntometrine or oxytocin) to speed up the delivery of the placenta and reduce the risk of heavy bleeding. This is called “active management.”
  • Choose a “natural” or “physiological” third stage, without the injection, if your pregnancy and labour have been straightforward. Your midwife can discuss this with you.
  • Have skin-to-skin contact with your baby throughout, and start your first feed.
  • Be examined gently for any tears that may need stitching.

Just after the birth

Once your baby is born and the placenta delivered, you will spend time on the labour ward while you and your baby are observed. Most women have a cup of tea, something to eat, and quiet time with their baby and partner.

Within a few hours, you will be helped to the shower, and to use the toilet. You will be moved to the postnatal ward when you and your baby are ready.

If you are eligible for the Early Transfer Home Service, your midwife will discuss the next steps before you leave.