The stages of labor: what to expect, step by step

Labor is usually described in three stages. Knowing what each one feels like, and roughly how long it lasts, can make the day feel less unknown. Every labor is different, especially for a first baby compared with later ones.

Before labor: the latent phase

Many people have days or weeks of signs that labor is getting closer: Braxton Hicks contractions, losing the mucus plug, back ache and the baby dropping lower. Read signs of labor for what to look out for.

Stage 1: labor and dilation

The first stage is when contractions open (dilate) your cervix from closed to 10 cm. It has two parts.

Early labor (0 to about 6 cm)

• Contractions are mild to moderate, often 5 to 20 minutes apart, lasting 30 to 60 seconds.
• It can last hours or even a couple of days for a first baby.
• What helps: stay at home if your provider agrees, rest, eat light snacks, drink water, take a warm shower, walk and sway. Start timing contractions with our contraction timer.

Active labor (about 6 to 10 cm)

• Contractions are strong, regular, about 3 to 5 minutes apart and last around a minute.
• For a first baby the cervix often opens around 1 cm an hour, but it varies a lot.
• What helps: this is usually the time to be at your hospital or birth center. Change positions, use a birth ball, breathe slowly through each contraction, and ask for pain relief if you want it.

Transition (around 8 to 10 cm)

The most intense part, but often the shortest. Contractions come close together. You may feel shaky, sick, hot or cold, or that you can't go on. That feeling usually means you are nearly there.

Stage 2: pushing and birth

• Starts when your cervix is fully open at 10 cm and ends with the birth of your baby.
• You will feel strong pressure and an urge to push with contractions.
• It can take minutes or a few hours, often longer with a first baby or an epidural.
• What helps: try different positions such as kneeling, squatting, on your side or on hands and knees. Your midwife or doctor will guide your pushing as your baby's head is born, to protect your perineum.

Stage 3: delivering the placenta

• After your baby is born, more contractions push out the placenta.
• With an injection to speed it up (active management), it usually takes 5 to 30 minutes. Without one, it can take up to an hour.
• This is a lovely time for skin-to-skin with your baby, and many babies try to breastfeed within the first hour.

After the birth

Your care team will check your bleeding and any tears, and check your baby. Read our guide to postpartum recovery for the weeks ahead.

Frequently asked questions

How long does labor last for a first baby?

Active labor for a first baby commonly lasts around 8 hours and rarely more than 18, plus up to 3 hours of pushing, but it varies widely. Later labors are usually shorter.

When should I go to the hospital?

Many providers use the 5-1-1 rule: contractions about 5 minutes apart, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour. Go in straight away if your waters break, you are bleeding, or your baby is moving less.

Can I have an epidural at any stage?

Usually you can ask for an epidural during the first stage of labor. If birth is very close, there may not be time. Talk about your pain relief options in your birth plan.

Sources

• ACOG: How to tell when labor begins
• NHS: What happens during labour and birth
• WHO: Intrapartum care recommendations

General information only, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor or midwife.

History of updates

• October 21, 2026: Published.