Early Labour
- This stage is often the longest part of labour and may take several hours to a day.
- Cervix softens and shortens (effacement)
- Cervix dilates from 0 to 3 centimetres (cm)
What do I do when labour starts? See the labour decision tree resource. 
Suggestions for you and your support person
- Continue doing whatever you would normally be doing.
- Light activities such as walking, staying upright and rocking may distract you from the discomfort.
- Try to rest or sleep if you can. Try something relaxing such as a warm bath, massage, soothing music or visualization and use pillows to get into a comfortable position.
- This stage can happen at home or in the hospital.
Active Labour
- You will have a nurse available to answer questions, coach and guide you and your partner through this stage.
- Usually lasts several hours
- Cervix dilates from 3 to 8 cm
- Contractions are longer, stronger and closer together, intensity has increased and you can no longer concentrate on other activities.
Suggestions for you and your support person
- Take one contraction at a time and rest in between contractions.
- Think of things that help you relax or feel soothing. Try focusing on breathing, images, touch or sound.
- Use slow-paced breathing. Your breathing may speed up a little as contractions get stronger.
- Start each contraction with a full breath.
- Massaging your lower back or thighs may be helpful.
- Change positions frequently and take walks.
- Eat light, small meals and drink fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
Transition
- A nurse will be present during this stage to help coach you and your partner.
- Usually the shortest part of labour (30-60 min)
- 8 cm to full dilation (10 cm)
- Contractions are very frequent and intense.
- Some women become irritable, weepy or feel they are not coping well. These are normal reactions.
- For most women, this is the most difficult part of labour.
Suggestions for you and your support person
- Continue to focus on breathing, use shallow breathing.
- May be helpful to make a sound as you breathe out — a gentle sigh or moan.
- Lower back massage and thigh massage may be helpful.
- Acknowledge how tough this is; a reminder that the baby is nearly here.
- Reassurance and encouragement are essential.
Pushing
- A nurse will be present at all times to help coach you and your partner while pushing and for the delivery of your baby.
- May take from 20 minutes to a couple of hours
- Baby moves down through the vagina.
- Contractions may not be as frequent.
- During each contraction, you feel one or more "urges" to push.
Suggestions for you and your support person
- Find a comfortable, upright position and allow gravity to help you.
- Breathe comfortably, your breathing may naturally speed up as the contractions build. Pant-blow breathing may be helpful. You may need to hold your breath at the peak of the pushing urge.
- Try to keep the pelvic floor muscles as relaxed as possible.
- As the baby's head emerges, pant or breathe lightly to allow the head to be born slowly and gently.
Delivery of the placenta
- This will happen 15 to 30 minutes after the delivery of your baby.
- After the birth of your baby, the uterus will continue to contract.
- You may be asked to give a small push to help the placenta deliver.
