Every pregnancy is different, and there's wide variation in the length of labor. For first-time moms, labor often takes between ten and 20 hours. For some women, though, it lasts much longer, while for others it's over much sooner. Show Labor generally progresses more quickly for women who've already given birth vaginally. First stage of laborThe first stage of labor has three phases:
The first stage of labor is the longest stage, especially if you are giving birth for the first time, and can last anywhere from days to a few hours. Early labor usually takes the longest amount of time and transition the shortest. What to expect
Coping tips
Phase 2: Active laborWhat to expect
What to do As a general rule, if you’re a first-time mom, once you've had regular, painful contractions (each lasting about 60 seconds) every four to five minutes for at least an hour, it's time to call your midwife or doctor and maybe head to the hospital or birth center. Some caregivers prefer a call sooner, so clarify this ahead of time. Some providers will advise you to stay home as long as possible, especially if you are hoping to have a low-intervention, unmedicated delivery. How long active labor lasts
Coping tips
Phase 3: TransitionThe last part of active labor is called the transition period because it marks the shift to the second stage of labor. What to expect
How long transition lasts Transition can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It's much more likely to be fast if you've already had a vaginal delivery. Coping tips If you're laboring without an epidural, this is when you may begin to lose faith in your ability to handle the pain, so you'll need lots of extra encouragement and support from those around you.
Once your cervix is fully dilated, the work of the second stage of labor begins: the final descent and birth of your baby. What it feels like
Pushing: What to expect
Your baby's descent: What to expect With each contraction, the force of your uterus – combined with the force of your abdominal muscles if you're actively pushing – exerts pressure on your baby to continue to move down through the birth canal.
The first glimpse of your baby: What to expect
Crowning: How the head emerges
Out at last! What to expect. Here's what happens once your baby hits the atmosphere:
You may feel a wide range of emotions now: euphoria, awe, pride, disbelief, excitement (to name but a few), and, of course, intense relief that it's all over. Exhausted as you may be, you'll also probably feel a burst of energy, and any thoughts of sleep will vanish for the time being. How long the second stage lasts The entire second stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Coping tips When pushing, try different positions until you find one that feels right and is effective for you. It's not unusual to use a variety of positions during the second stage. Third stage: Delivering the placentaWhat to expect Minutes after giving birth, your uterus begins to contract again. The first few contractions usually separate the placenta from your uterine wall. When your caregiver sees signs of separation, she may ask you to gently push to help expel the placenta. This is usually one short push that's not at all difficult or painful. How long the third stage lasts On average, the third stage of labor takes about five to ten minutes. What happens after you give birth
Coping tips Unless your baby needs special care, be sure to insist on some quiet time together. The eyedrops and vitamin K can wait a little while. You and your partner will want to share this special time with each other as you get acquainted with your new baby and revel in the miracle of birth. Learn more |