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.
• Read more in our Health Libarary
  • The first stage of labor
  • Cerival Effacement and Dilation
  • Illustration of Cervical Effacement

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.
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  • The second stage of labor

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)
• Presentation (part of the baby to be born first, i.e. head, buttocks, feet, etc.)
• Position of the baby's presenting part (anterior: facing your back, or posterior: facing your front)
• Station (distance of the presenting part from above or below the mid pelvis in "plus" or "minus" numbers)