Stages of Delivering a Baby

When the time comes to deliver a baby, a woman labors through three distinct stages. Assuming no complications, labor unfolds through these stages from the time labor begins, with effacement and dilation of the cervix, until the baby and placenta are delivered. Each stage lasts a varying amount of time for each woman and each pregnancy, and the entire process can be over in a few quick hours or last much longer.

Labor

• The first stage of labor is usually the longest, and is sometimes referred to as taking place in three separate phases. During the early phase, the cervix begins to dilate and the woman will feel mild to moderate contractions. These contractions may or may not be painful, and the woman is often still at home and able to walk and engage in other activity between contractions. In the second phase, the woman is in active labor. Contractions grow stronger and occur at regular, close intervals, as close as three to four minutes apart. The cervix continues to open from four to seven centimeters as the woman prepares to give birth. Transition is the final and most difficult phase of the first stage of labor, during which the cervix dilates the full 10 centimeters.

Birth of the Baby

• The birth of the baby is the second stage of labor. This is when the woman pushes with her contractions and gives birth; this can take a matter of minutes, especially for women who have given birth before, or a couple of hours. The woman's doctor, nurse, midwife or labor coach will assist her in pushing at the appropriate times and will offer support and encouragement. After the baby is fully delivered, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut.

Delivery of the Placenta

• The final stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta, the organ that gave the baby nourishment during its time in the womb. Contractions resume, although they are mild, and this stage is usually the shortest.