Stages of Labor and Delivery

Bringing a baby into the world can feel exciting, emotional and sometimes overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident.

Banner Health’s maternity team offers caring, comprehensive support for you and your baby throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery and after birth. We walk you through each stage of labor and when it’s time to go to the hospital.

What are the stages of labor?

Labor, also known as childbirth, is the process by which your baby leaves the uterus (womb). Labor has four main stages:

• Stage 1: Early, active and transition labor
• Stage 2: Pushing and birth of the baby
• Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta
• Stage 4: Golden hour and skin-to skin contact

Childbirth can be different each time you have a baby. Your body, your baby and many other factors affect how it happens. For a woman having her first baby, labor can last from 12 to 24 hours. If you’ve had a baby before, it might be shorter, often six to 12 hours. But every labor is different. It may be faster or slower than these times.

Stage 1: Labor and cervical changes

This is the longest stage of labor. It begins when contractions start and ends when your cervix softens, thins and fully opens (dilates) so your baby can move down. Stage 1 has three phases of labor:

Stage 1, Phase 1: Early labor (latent phase)

This is the first phase of labor. Your body is just getting started. The latent phase can last several hours and, for first-time births, sometimes even a day or two. 

What to expect:

• Mild to moderate contractions that come and go every five to 20 minutes
• Your cervix dilates from zero to six centimeters
• You can still talk and move through contractions, although they will get significantly more painful toward the end of this phase

What you can do:

• Stay home if you can and your provider says it’s safe to do so
• Rest, eat light meals and drink fluids
• Take a walk or try a warm shower
• Practice breathing and relaxation techniques

Stage 1, Phase 2: Active labor

The active phase of labor begins when contractions become longer, stronger and closer together. When this stage starts, it’s time to go to the hospital if that’s part of your birth plan. A birth plan is a list of your wishes and goals for labor and delivery. 

What to expect:

• Cervix opens from about six to eight centimeters
• Contractions last 45 to 60 seconds and happen every three to five minutes
• Your water may break, if it hasn’t already
• You will need to focus more during each contraction

What you can do:

• Use breathing techniques
• Change positions to stay comfortable
• Lean on your support person
• Consider pain relief options, if needed

Stage 1, Phase 3: Transition

The transition phase is the final part of Stage 1 and often the most intense. It is also the shortest, usually lasting 30 minutes to two hours.

What to expect:

• Cervix dilates from eight to 10 centimeters (fully dilated)
• Strong, close contractions (every two to three minutes)
• Each contraction lasts about 60 to 90 seconds
• You may feel pressure, nausea or shakiness

What you can do:

• Focus on breathing and staying calm
• Accept support and encouragement
• Remind yourself that this phase means you are close to meeting your baby

Stage 2: Pushing and birth

Stage 2 begins when your cervix is fully dilated and ends with your baby’s birth. This stage can last from a few minutes to a few hours. First-time moms may push longer. 

What to expect:

• A strong urge to push
• Pressure in your lower pelvic floor
• Your care team will guide you on when and how to push

What you can do:

• Follow your care team’s guidance
• Focus on pushing and breathing techniques
• Try different positions for comfort

Once your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. You’ll likely have skin-to-skin time right away. Many parents describe the moment as peaceful, emotional and unforgettable. But don’t worry if you don’t have these feelings right away. Some parents don’t, are just tired or are at risk for PPD (postpartum depression).   

Stage 3: Delivering the placenta

After your baby arrives, your body still has one more step: delivering the placenta. This step usually happens within five to 30 minutes. 

What to expect:

• Mild contractions 
• The placenta releases from your uterine wall and is delivered
• Your provider examines the placenta to make sure it’s in one piece
• Your uterus may be massaged to help it contract
• Any tears or an episiotomy are repaired with stitches if needed

What you can do:

• Push gently one more time to deliver the placenta
• Hold your baby if they are already placed on your chest
• Accept support from your care team as needed

Stage 4: Golden hour and skin-to skin contact

This stage is the first two to three hours after birth. It focuses on recovery, bonding and early newborn care. The first hour is often called the Golden Hour.

What to expect:

• You and your baby stay together for bonding time
• Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged
• Your care team monitors bleeding, pain and vital signs
• Your baby adjusts to life outside the womb
• Early feeding cues may appear, including breastfeeding attempts
• Visitors are often delayed to protect recovery time

What you can do:

• Hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as possible
• Begin breastfeeding if you choose with support if needed
• Rest and focus on bonding
• Limit visitors so you can recover and connect
• Ask for help with feeding, positioning or comfort

Post-delivery recovery 

After your baby's birth, you enter what is called the fourth trimester or postpartum period, a time of recovery and bonding with your baby. It lasts six to eight weeks. This period involves physical healing, hormonal shifts, breast changes and perineal soreness.

Some women may experience postpartum conditions. While most are temporary, knowing how to manage them can help you feel more comfortable during recovery. Learn more about post-delivery conditions.

Do all births follow these stages?

Most vaginal deliveries follow these stages of labor but not all births happen the same way. Labor can look different depending on your health, your baby's health and how your body progresses.

Here are a few common variations:

• Cesarean (C-section) delivery: This is a surgical birth through an incision (cut) in the abdomen. It may be planned in advance or recommended during labor if concerns arise for you or your baby.
• Induced labor: Sometimes labor does not start on its own. Your provider may use medication or simple procedures to help start labor.
• Assisted delivery: In some cases, tools like forceps or a vacuum may be used to help guide your baby safely during the pushing stage.
• Home or birth center delivery: Some people choose to give birth outside a hospital with trained providers, such as midwives.

Even when labor does not follow the typical pattern, your care team will guide you through every step. Their goal is to keep you and your baby safe while supporting your birth experience.

Signs that labor is starting

Your body gives you hints before labor begins. These may occur days or even weeks before your baby arrives.

• Your baby drops and moves lower in your belly
• You have more Braxton Hicks (practice) contractions 
• You lose your mucus plug
• You notice light spotting
• Your back aches or you feel period-like cramps
• You have a burst of energy (some call this “nesting”)
• Your water breaks in a gush or a slow trickle

When should you go to the hospital or birth center?

Knowing when to go to the hospital brings peace of mind. Here’s a simple way to remember:

• 5-1-1 rule: Contractions are five minutes apart, last one minute each and stay that way for one hour
• Your water breaks
• You have bright red bleeding (not just spotting)
• Your baby is moving less than usual
• You feel severe pain that doesn’t go away between contractions
• You had a fast labor before
• You live far from the hospital

Your provider may give you different instructions on when to go to the hospital or birth center based on your pregnancy and certain risk factors. If so, follow their guidance. 

Comfort and pain relief options

You have many options for comfort during labor. Some people prefer natural techniques while others want medication. Many mix and match. Common options include:

• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Warm showers or labor tubs
• Massage and hands-on counter pressure
• Birthing balls and peanut balls
• Support from a partner or doula
• Medications, including epidurals

How Banner Health supports you

At Banner Health, our team focuses on you, your comfort, your safety and your experience. From your first prenatal visit through your baby’s birth and beyond, our caring providers, nurses and specialists help you feel safe, heard and supported.

Talk to a Banner Health provider to learn more about your delivery options or to schedule a tour the labor and delivery facilities at one of our hospitals or birth centers.   

Frequently asked questions

How long is labor?

Labor typically lasts 12 to 24 hours for first-time moms and six to 12 hours for those who have given birth in the past. Every labor is different. Yours may be shorter or longer. Early labor usually takes the most time, while pushing and birth often go faster.

How do I know I’m in active labor?

Contractions become stronger, more regular and closer together and your cervix continues to dilate. If your contractions follow the 5-1-1 pattern or your water breaks, it’s time to go to the hospital or birth center.

What is false labor?

False labor, often called Braxton Hicks contractions, can feel real but doesn’t open your cervix. These contractions are usually irregular and mild and they go away when you move, rest or drink water. They’re your body’s way of practicing.

Does my water always break before labor?

No. For many people, water breaks during active labor, not before. Only about 1 in 10 labors begins with your water breaking. If it does, call your provider, even if contractions haven’t started. 

Can I eat and drink during labor?

Light snacks and clear fluids are often okay during early labor. Once you’re in active labor or have an epidural, your team may ask you to stick to ice chips or small sips of water. Ask your provider what they recommend. 

Who can be with me during delivery?

That’s your choice. Many people bring a partner, family member, friend or doula. Banner Health welcomes your support team. Ask your birth center about its current guest guidelines.

Will I need an episiotomy?

An episiotomy is a small surgical cut in the perineum (the pad of soft tissue between the vaginal canal and anus) to widen the vaginal opening. Although common in the past, this procedure is now performed only when necessary.

Will I need a C-section?

Most people don’t. C-sections are performed when they’re the safest option for you and your baby. Your provider will recommend one only if it’s truly needed and they’ll explain everything along the way.

When can I nurse my baby?

If you are able and your baby is healthy, you can start breastfeeding right away.