Stages of Labour

woman in labour with partner

Early Labour

  • This stage is often the longest part of labour and may take several hours to several days.
  • during this time, cervix softens and shortens (effacement)
  • The cervix dilates from 0 to 4 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 may happen at home or in the hospital.
  • At this time, there is no need to time your contractions or labour.  Timing may be helpful once contractions become painful and seem to be coming more regularly or often.

Active Labour

  • You will have a nurse available to answer questions, coach and guide you and your partner through this stage of labour.
  • This stage can usually last several hours.
  • The cervix dilates from 4 to 8 cm.
  • Contractions are longer, stronger and closer together, intensity will increase and you can no longer concentrate on other activities and are not easily distracted.

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.

All support required and recommended suggestions for each stage may be different if you have an epidural as you will not be as mobile and may not be as uncomfortable.

mother and baby