What are the 4 stages of labour?
Labour is commonly said to be split into four stages:
- Latent stage, also known as early labour. This is where contractions have started and may be irregular in their length, strength and frequency. This may come in waves and may not happen all the time. The cervix is starting to change and open from 0-3cm
- First stage, also known as active labour. This is where contractions are more regular and powerful (they may not fit an exact pattern but will often happen three to four times in every ten-minute period, and last 45-60 seconds). The cervix now dilates from 3-4cm to 10cm fully dilated.
- Second stage. This is the pushing stage up until when baby is born
- Third stage. This is from after baby is born until the placenta (after birth) is born.
What can affect how quick my labour is?
Every person and every labour is unique. The length of labour may depend on several things including whether it is your first baby or if you have given birth before, the size of baby, the position of baby, and any interventions such as an epidural or induction of labour.
How long does labour usually take?
Every labour is different however here are some average times:
Early labour – This is the longest stage, and some people may not even know this stage has started. If you are experiencing contractions this may last 12-18 hours, however sometimes longer. It is important to still get some rest and keep eating and drinking in this stage.
First stage – 5-12 hours on average but can vary hugely.
Second stage – up to three hours if it’s your first baby or up to two if you’ve had a baby before
Third stage – Usually up to one hour but may go on for longer. You can choose if you would like an injection to help deliver the placenta quicker – usually up to 30 minutes- and may also help reduce the chance of heavy bleeding. This is your choice, however, may be recommended to you if you have higher risk of bleeding such as a long labour, heavy bleeding in a previous pregnancy, had more than 4 babies before, or previously had to have the placenta removed by a doctor in theatre.
It’s also important to note that a fast labour isn’t always the best for you and baby as can be emotionally and physically challenging, however a slow labour can also leave you mentally and physically exhausted.
