Labor and childbirth are unique experiences—no two births are exactly alike. What one person goes through may be completely different from another’s experience. Every birth story is different, and every labor progresses in its own way.

There are four stages of labor:
1️⃣ The First Stage – The process of the cervix dilating to 10 cm.
2️⃣ The Second Stage – The pushing phase, where the baby is delivered.
3️⃣ The Third Stage – The delivery of the placenta.
4️⃣ The Fourth Stage – The postpartum recovery period, immediately after birth.

This post focuses on the first stage of labor, which is commonly referred to as “labor” and consists of three phases: early labor, active labor, and transition.

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The Three Phases of the First Stage of Labor

Phase	Cervical Dilation	Contraction Frequency	Contraction Duration	Estimated Time Frame
Early Labor	0 – 4/6 cm	5 – 20 minutes apart	30 – 45 seconds	Hours to days
Active Labor	5 – 7 cm	3 – 5 minutes apart	45 – 60 seconds	1 – 8+ hours
Transition	7 – 10 cm	2 – 3 minutes apart	60 – 90 seconds	30 minutes to 1 hour

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Early Labor: The Beginning of the Journey

📌 What is Happening?
✔ The cervix thins (effaces) and opens (dilates) from 0 to about 4-6 cm.
✔ Contractions are relatively mild, lasting 30 to 45 seconds, and occur every 5 to 20 minutes.
✔ You may experience loose stools, increased vaginal discharge, or light spotting.

📌 Emotions & Behavior
✔ You might feel excited, social, and chatty.
✔ You may still be comfortable enough to continue daily activities.

📌 What to Do
✔ Relax! This is just the beginning—there’s no need to rush.
✔ Eat a light meal to keep up your energy.
✔ Stay hydrated and rest as needed.
✔ Take a walk, enjoy a warm bath, or nap to stay comfortable.

📌 Partner Tips
✔ Help time contractions to track the pattern.
✔ Remind her to eat, drink, and relax.
✔ Call the doctor or doula to provide updates.
✔ Double-check that the hospital bag is packed.

⏳ How Long Does Early Labor Last?

• Early labor varies widely—it may last a few hours to a few days.
• For first-time moms, early labor tends to last longer than for those who have given birth before.

📌 Reference: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 2023

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Active Labor: The Work Begins

📌 What is Happening?
✔ The cervix dilates from 4/5 cm to 7 cm.
✔ Contractions become stronger and closer together, lasting 45 to 60 seconds every 3 to 5 minutes.
✔ Your water may break (if it hasn’t already).

📌 Emotions & Behavior
✔ You may become more focused and serious.
✔ Talking may become more difficult during contractions.
✔ You might feel tired, overwhelmed, or anxious.

📌 What to Do
✔ Move! Walking, rocking, or swaying can help.
✔ Use breathing techniques to manage discomfort.
✔ Try heat packs, massage, and different labor positions.

📌 Partner Tips
✔ Keep distractions away—create a calm environment.
✔ Remind her to drink fluids.
✔ Encourage different labor positions for comfort.
✔ Prepare to go to the hospital or birthing center if you haven’t already.

⏳ How Long Does Active Labor Last?

• Typically 1 to 8 hours, but it varies by individual.
• First-time moms often have longer active labor than those who have given birth before.

📌 Reference: Mayo Clinic – Stages of Labor, 2023

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Transition: The Most Intense but Shortest Phase

📌 What is Happening?
✔ The cervix dilates from 7 cm to 10 cm (fully open).
✔ Contractions are very strong, lasting 60 to 90 seconds every 2 to 3 minutes.
✔ The baby moves deeper into the pelvis, getting ready for birth.

📌 Emotions & Behavior
✔ You might feel shaky, nauseous, overwhelmed, or even doubtful.
✔ Hot flashes, chills, and intense pressure in the pelvis are common.
✔ Some moms experience self-doubt or say they “can’t do this”—but they’re almost there!

📌 What to Do
✔ Use your strongest coping techniques—breathing, focusing, or visualization.
✔ Remind yourself: This is the shortest phase!
✔ Change positions to help with pressure.

📌 Partner Tips
✔ Stay calm, encouraging, and reassuring.
✔ Help cool her down with a cold washcloth or fan.
✔ Remind her she is almost done—the baby is coming soon!

⏳ How Long Does Transition Last?

• Usually 30 minutes to 1 hour—it’s the shortest phase of labor but the most intense.

📌 Reference: World Health Organization (WHO) – Guidelines on Normal Birth, 2022

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Final Thoughts: You Can Do This!

The first stage of labor is a journey that requires patience, strength, and support. By understanding what to expect during early labor, active labor, and transition, you can prepare both mentally and physically for birth.

🎯 Take a Childbirth Class! A birthing class will provide hands-on techniques, expert guidance, and support to help you feel confident about labor and delivery.

💬 Did you experience labor differently? Share your birth story in the comments!

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References

1️⃣ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Stages of Labor & Delivery. Retrieved from www.acog.org
2️⃣ Mayo Clinic. (2023). Understanding Labor & Childbirth. Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org
3️⃣ World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Guidelines on Normal Birth. Retrieved from www.who.int

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