Labor and Delivery Stages: A Complete Guide to What to Expect

Labor and Delivery Stages: What to Expect During Birth

It’s time. You’ve been considering it, reading up on it, discussing it. Labor and delivery are the last legs of this journey you’ve undertaken, and it’s totally normal to have questions and a little anxiety. But don’t worry! You’ve got this. Your body is quite capable of working through it, and we’re here to guide you in stages of labor, step by step, so that you can be empowered and prepared for the big day!
Get a complete guide to labor and delivery stages. Learn what to expect during each stage of childbirth and prepare for a smooth and informed birth experience. Labor and delivery are commonly broken down into three stages: early labor, active labor, and the delivery of your baby. Every stage comes with its own challenges, but understanding what’s ahead can help make the experience far more manageable. So, let’s break it down.

Stage 1: Early Labor – The Start of the Journey

Early labor is when you’ll begin to experience the initial indications that things are becoming serious. While some women experience hours — or even days — of early labor. But don’t freak out — this stage is meant to prep your body for what’s ahead.
What happens in early labor? You will begin to have more regular contractions. They may feel similar to menstrual cramps or a tightening sensation across your belly. These contractions can last from 30 seconds to a minute and be 5–20 minutes apart. Your cervix starts to soften, thin out (efface) and dilate. You might not even know that you’re in labor at the beginning, because the contractions can feel mild. In this phase you can still walk, you talk and do your daily routine. But here’s the catch: things are beginning to change, and soon you’ll have to pay more attention to your body’s messages.

Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

Elizabeth Stone

Stage 1: Active Labor — Let’s Get a Move On

As you transition from early labor to active labor, the intensity of contractions rises. And here is where things start to get real. They get longer, stronger, and closer together. They could arrive every 3-5 minutes and last about 60 seconds. By now, you’re probably going to need to concentrate more on your breath and how you’re dealing with the pain. Active labor means that your cervix is opening more rapidly, and things are progressing toward the main act.
You might also feel mood changes. You may feel more focused and energized; you may feel anxious, tired, or frustrated. This is totally normal. Your body is doing a lot of work and it’s OK to feel overwhelmed. Your contractions should become more regular and intense, and you should contact your healthcare provider. If you’re not there already, they’ll probably advise you to go to the hospital. And keep in mind, this is a sign that you’re getting closer to being with your baby!

Stage 1: Transition — So Close

Transition is the last stage of Stage 1, and also the shortest, but it’s the most intense for many. This is when your cervix completes dilating to 10 cm, and your body gears up to push. They come fast and furious during transition—every 2-3 minutes, lasting 60-90 seconds. It’s a wild ride, and you may feel like you want to push, but stop themselves for now unless your doctor or midwife tells you it’s time to do so.
Many women feel overwhelmed during this stage. You may feel shaky, nauseous or uncertain, but don’t be alarmed. These are perfectly normal symptoms and part of the transitional phase as your body gets ready to give birth. The good news? This phase won’t last forever and you are on the homestretch.

Stage 2: The Pushing Stage — Time to Meet Your Baby

Now comes the exciting part. Stage 2 starts when your cervix is fully open, and it’s time to push. The contractions are going to slow down a little bit, but the urge to push is going to be overwhelming. You might feel pressure in your lower back and pelvic region, and it can feel like you need to poop — so, don’t be embarrassed! That’s totally normal. Your baby is descending into the birth canal, and your body is working to push them out.
Pushing can last from several minutes to a couple of hours. It isn’t easy, but your health care team will be right there to help you. They will assist you with breathing, positioning and timing your pushes. Some women choose to push out in a squat position, while others choose a more conventional position like lying on their back or being on hands and knees. The important thing is to listen to your body — and push when you feel the urge.

Stage 2: Crowning— The Home Stretch

Crowning is when your baby’s head starts to come out. It’s the step that really hits you with how soon you’ll be meeting your little one. You will probably experience a burning or stinging sensation as the baby’s head stretches your perineum. This phenomenon is called the “ring of fire.” It can be painful, but it means your baby is just around the corner.
Now, you might feel encouraged to give a little push — go easy and slow, and don’t tear. Your care provider will be there to steer you, ensuring that all is going well. If things are feeling like too much, reach out for support or wisdom. You’re so close! Winner: Just keep going, and don’t hesitate to rely on your support team.

Stage 3: Birth of the Placenta — The Final Stage

When your baby arrives, you may think the job is over. But remember: you still have to deliver the placenta. This phase typically occurs within 5 to 30 minutes after delivery of your baby. You’ll have a couple more contractions during which, with gentle pushing, the placenta will come out.
The actual delivery of the placenta is typically a lot less intense than the delivery of your baby, but it’s also an important enough process that you want to make sure your team of medical professionals is on the lookout for any complications. Afterward, you’ll probably feel a release as your body moves into relaxation. And with the placenta out, you’re officially done!

Postpartum – Rest and Connection

Once your baby arrives and the placenta has been delivered, it’s time to recover. You will be taken to a recovery room where your healing can start. If you got an epidural, it may take a little time for the numbness to wear off, but that’s OK — your health care team will be there to help you through it.
It’s also a time when you’ll bond with your baby. You’ll begin breastfeeding or holding the baby when your health care team will check on you both to ensure everything is going well. You will be sore, tired, a little emotional, but that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with anything you need — this is your time to relax and bond with your new baby.

Conclusion: You can do this.

Labor and delivery might feel intimidating, but you’re strong and powerful enough to do it. Learning about the stages of labor helps you to feel more prepared and confident as you progress through each one. Understand that it’s normal to feel a spectrum of emotions, from excitement to anxiety — and it is all part of the journey.
While there’s not much we can do to control our body or the outcome, we can instill confidence in our bodies, our support team and trust in the process. You’re about to do something amazing. And when you hold your little one in your arms, all will be worth it. So breathe deep, stay present, and know you can deal with whatever the world throws at you. You’ve got this, mama. You can also our hospital bag checklist from here.