It is rare for a woman's labor to begin with strong contractions and then give birth a short time later. While this is how it happens on television, labor is most often a long process that takes many hours.
First stage of labor
The first stage of labor is divided into two parts: early labor and active labor.
Early Labor-may last 6 to 12 hours. Early labor usually begins with mild contractions 15-20 minutes apart. You may notice some bloody discharge from your vagina. This phase of labor dilates (opens) your cervix (opening of the uterus) from zero to 4 centimeters. Your cervix needs to open to 10 centimeters to give birth.
Active Labor-may last 4 to 8 hours. During active labor, your contractions get stronger and may come every three minutes. Your water may break, which makes contractions stronger. If you were not sure that you were in labor before, you will be more sure of it now. You may see more bleeding from the vagina. You may have a backache, and as labor goes on, you may feel tired and anxious. Your legs may tremble and you may feel queasy. As the baby's head moves down and presses on the cervix, you may feel the urge to push. This phase of labor opens your cervix all the way to 10 centimeters.
Second stage of labor
May last 20 minutes to 3 hours or more. The second stage of labor is when your baby is born. You may feel the urge to bear down and push the baby out. You may feel pressure and burning as the baby's head emerges. After the baby's head is out, the shoulders and body usually slip out easily.
Third stage of labor
Usually lasts a few minutes to half an hour. Contractions will continue, but they are less painful than before. The placenta comes out of your vagina during this time. You may shake and shiver, which is normal. Ask for a warm blanket if you feel cold. Cuddle your new baby and try breastfeeding for the first time.
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