The four stages of the childbirth process are based on changes in the uterus and cervix as labor progresses. The beginning and end of each stage are described below:
First Stage of Labor
- Begins at the onset of labor and ends when the cervix is 100 percent effaced and completely dilated to 10 centimeters.
- Average length ranges for a first-time mother is from ten-to-fourteen hours and shorter for subsequent births.
Second Stage of Labor
- Begins when the cervix is completely effaced and dilated and ends with the birth of the baby.
- Average length for a first time mother ranges from 1 to-2 hours and shorter for subsequent births.
Third Stage of Labor
- Begins with the birth of the baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta.
- Average length for all vaginal deliveries ranges from five-to-fifteen minutes.
Fourth Stage of Labor
- Begins with delivery of the placenta and ends one-to-two hours after delivery.
How Will I Know if I am Making Progress?
The progress of labor and the baby's position is determined by an internal vaginal exam. These exams are not done frequently and may be done during a contraction. Internal vaginal exams assess:
- Cervical effacement (thinning measured as 0 to 100 percent)
- Cervical dilation (opening measured as 0 to 10 centimeters)
- Baby's presentation (the part of the baby to move to the pelvis first, e.g. head, buttocks, feet)
- Position of the baby's presenting part (described as anterior, facing your back, or posterior, facing your front)
- Station (baby's progress down through the pelvis or birth canal. Measured in minus to plus numbers)
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