What to Expect DuringYour First Childbirth?

Your First Childbirth?

While each labour and birth is unique, the process of a vaginal delivery follows four stages: First Stage (early labour, active labour and transition), Second Stage (pushing and birth), Third Stage (delivery of the placenta), and Fourth Stage (uterus returns to original size).

While each labour and birth is unique, the process of a vaginal delivery follows four stages: First Stage (early labour, active labour and transition), Second Stage (pushing and birth), Third Stage (delivery of the placenta), and Fourth Stage (uterus returns to original size).

First Stage

This stage consists of early labour, active labour and transition.

During Early Labour

• Early labour is the longest part of labour and can last 12 to 24 hours or longer if this is your first baby.

• You will begin to experience contractions that can last up to 60 seconds and can be 3 to 5 minutes apart.

• As the labour progresses, the contractions increase in frequency and in strength.

• At this time, your cervix will start to dilate (open) and will reach 6 centimeters by the end of this phase.

During Active labour

Active labour lasts for 4 to 8 hours for many people giving birth for the first time. During this phase, contractions are stronger, longer, and closer together, and they can last up to 60 to 90 seconds with approximately 2 to 5 minutes apart. Cervix dilates more rapidly as compared to in early labour and it is almost 6 to 8 centimeters.

During Transition

This is usually the shortest part of the first stage of labour. Your contractions are the strongest, longest and closest together, and can last 60 to 120 seconds and are usually 2 to 3 minutes apart. Your cervix will dilate from 8 to 10 centimeters and once you reach 10 centimeters, the second stage will begin.