What Are the Stages of Labour?
A Midwife’s Guide for Expectant Parents
Labour is often described as a journey - and like any big trip, it helps to know what to expect along the way.
Whether you’re approaching your due date or just beginning to prepare, understanding the stages of labour can ease fear, boost confidence, and help you feel more in control of the process. As a midwife, I’ve supported hundreds of parents through birth, and while every labour is unique, there are some common patterns your body may follow.
This guide breaks down the stages of labour in simple terms, so you can feel informed, empowered, and ready - whatever birth looks like for you.
Stage One: Early Labour and Active Labour
This is the longest stage of labour and the one that builds gradually. It’s all about your cervix softening, thinning (effacing), and opening (dilating) to make way for your baby.
1. Early Labour (Latent Phase)
• What’s happening: The cervix starts to dilate from 0 to around 4 - 6 cm. Contractions begin, but they may be irregular, mild, or stop and start.
• How it might feel: Cramping, backache, or period-like pain. You might still be able to talk, eat, rest, or distract yourself.
• How long it lasts: It varies - early labour can last hours or even days, especially with a first baby.
• What to do: Stay at home, rest if you can, eat nourishing snacks, and keep hydrated. A warm shower, a walk, or using a TENS machine can help with comfort. Try not to clock-watch.
Tip: Early labour isn’t usually the time to rush to hospital unless advised by your care provider. Tune into your body, stay calm, and conserve your energy.
2. Active Labour
• What’s happening: Contractions become stronger, longer, and closer together - often every 3 - 5 minutes. The cervix usually dilates from around 4–6 cm to full dilation (10 cm).
• How it might feel: Intense. You’ll likely need to focus on each contraction and may use breathing, movement, or support people to stay grounded.
• What to do: This is usually the time to head to hospital or call your midwife if you’re having a home birth. Support is key here - someone reminding you to breathe, helping you change positions, and offering comfort.
Stage Two: The Pushing Stage
Once you’re fully dilated, your body often shifts into the next gear. This is when your baby starts to move down through the birth canal and is born.
• What’s happening: Your uterus and abdominal muscles work together to help push your baby down. You might feel pressure or the urge to bear down—this is completely normal and powerful.
• How long it lasts: First-time mums might push for up to 1–2 hours, though it can be much quicker in subsequent births.
• How it might feel: You may feel a sense of relief compared to active labour—some people describe it as “getting to do something” with the contractions. Others feel intense pressure or stretching. Warm compresses and guided breathing can help.
• Your support team: Encouragement matters here. Some parents benefit from guided pushing, while others follow their body’s cues (known as “physiological pushing”).
Did you know? Changing positions - like squatting, kneeling, or side-lying - can help open the pelvis and make pushing more effective.
Stage Three: Delivering the Placenta
After your baby is born, there’s still one more step - birthing the placenta. This stage is usually shorter but just as important.
• What’s happening: The placenta detaches from the uterus and is delivered. You may have one or two contractions to help this along.
• How it might feel: Many parents describe this as mild compared to what’s come before - perhaps more of a cramp or a “whoosh.”
• How it’s managed: You may have a physiological third stage (letting it happen naturally) or an active one (with an injection to help the placenta come out quicker), depending on your care plan, blood loss, and preferences.
Tip: It’s normal to experience some bleeding at this stage. Your care team will monitor blood loss and support you if extra help is needed.
What Happens After Labour?
This time is often called the fourth stage of labour - the first hour or two after birth. It’s a time of bonding, skin-to-skin, and recovery. Your midwife will monitor your bleeding, support initial feeding, and keep an eye on your baby’s temperature and general wellbeing.
“I didn’t realise how shaky and emotional I’d feel straight after birth - it was intense, but also amazing.”
- A Mini + Me parent
If there’s one thing every baby and parent should experience at least once in their lifetime, it’s the breast crawl. This instinctive, powerful moment - where your newborn, placed skin-to-skin on your chest, makes their way to the breast - can support early feeding behaviours, calm both of you, and leave a lasting impression.
And here’s something we don’t say enough - don’t stop offering breast crawls after day one. Even into the early weeks and months, placing your baby on your chest and allowing them to find the breast in their own time can be deeply regulating, especially after a fussy day or during periods of feeding transition. It’s not just for those first moments - it’s a practice you can revisit again and again.
When to Call Your Midwife or Head to Hospital
Always follow your care provider’s individual instructions, but general signs to watch for include:
• Contractions every 3–5 minutes and building in intensity
• Waters breaking (especially if the fluid is green, brown, or has a strong smell)
• Vaginal bleeding that’s more than a show or mucus plug
• A noticeable change in baby’s movements
• If you feel worried, overwhelmed, or unsure - trust your instincts and reach out
Words to Carry With You
Labour doesn’t always follow a script - and that’s okay. Whether it’s fast, slow, spontaneous, or induced, understanding each stage can help you feel more prepared and supported.
Surround yourself with people who make you feel safe, ask questions when you need to, and remember that there’s no “perfect” birth - just the one that brings your baby to you.
