The Four Stages of Labor

Childbirth is a journey your body takes in stages, guided by changes in your uterus and cervix as labor progresses. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident.

First Stage of Labor

This stage begins when labor starts and ends once your cervix is fully effaced (thinned) and dilated to 10 centimeters.

• For first-time moms, this stage usually lasts 10–14 hours
• For women who have given birth before, it’s often shorter

Second Stage of Labor

The second stage begins once your cervix is fully open and ends with the birth of your baby.

• For first-time moms, this stage often takes 1–2 hours
• For subsequent births, it’s usually quicker

Third Stage of Labor

This stage begins with your baby’s arrival and ends with the delivery of the placenta.

• For most vaginal births, this takes about 5–15 minutes

Fourth Stage of Labor

The fourth stage starts right after the placenta is delivered and lasts for the next 1–2 hours.

• During this time, your care team monitors your recovery closely, making sure you and your baby are stable, safe and comfortable.

How Progress Is Checked

Your care team will occasionally do a vaginal exam to check how labor is progressing. These exams aren’t done too often, but sometimes may be done during a contraction. They look for:

• Cervical effacement: How thin the cervix has become (0–100%)
• Cervical dilation: How open the cervix is (0–10 cm)
• Baby’s presentation: Which part of your baby is entering the pelvis first (usually the head)
• Baby’s position: Whether your baby is facing your back (anterior) or front (posterior)
• Station: How far down your baby has moved into the pelvis, measured in “minus” and “plus” numbers

Every labor is unique, and these timeframes are only averages. Your care team will guide you through each stage, support your comfort and monitor your baby’s progress. Trust that your body knows what to do — and remember, you’re never going through this alone.