Stages of Labour

Stage 1

This involves contractions, which enable the cervix to open from 0-10cm. This stage is usually longer for a first baby – on average it lasts between 12-20 hours. Once you are at 10cm, you will enter what is known as the ‘transition’ phase, which means that your body is getting ready to start pushing. Do not be alarmed if you feel shaky, nauseas, cold, weepy, unable to cope or have the desire to swear a lot – this is all perfectly normal!

Stage 2

This is when your cervix is fully open and you are ready to push! The sensation to push can be almost overwhelming, much like needing to go for a very urgent and very large poo. Many women find this stage easier to cope with as they are able to push with the contractions, which lessens the pain. This stage usually lasts between 30mins to 2 hours, however often if baby hasn’t been delivered after 1 hour then intervention may be needed.

Stage 3

This is the delivery of the placenta which occurs after the baby has been born. Most women don’t even realise this has happened as they are so engrossed with baby, as well as being exhausted!