The Stages a Baby Goes Through During Labor

Labor and delivery is part of the natural birthing process. Every woman will experience labor differently, and women who have multiple pregnancies may have different labor experiences, but there are some commonalities, according to the Mayo Clinic. Labor is typically divided into three distinct stages: early and active labor, birth and the delivery of the placenta.

Early and Active Labor

• The first stage of labor a baby and mother experience is typically divided into two sections--early labor and active labor--according to the Mayo Clinic. During early labor the cervix begins to dilate and efface, which means the mouth of the womb is opening and getting thinner, which permits the baby to enter the birth canal. The process of the baby entering into the birth canal is sometimes referred to as dropping or lightening. Early labor is accompanied by irregular contractions that may be mild to moderate, and that occur from five to 20 minutes apart. Early labor can last from a few hours to several days. Active labor is usually marked by cervical dilation of from four to eight centimeters and regular contractions of 30 to 60 seconds coming at 10- to 20-minute intervals, according to the Expectant Mother's Guide.

Birth

• The second stage of labor for both the baby and the mother is the birth process. During a vaginal delivery the baby is fully engaged in the birth canal. During this stage the mother's urge to push is strong, and she will usually be encouraged to bare down during the contractions, which will now occur with increased frequency. The mother's health care provider may occasionally counsel gentle pushing to allow the vaginal tissue to stretch in order to prevent tearing. Most babies will present head first. Once the head passes through the birth canal and is delivered, the birth attendant will usually clear the baby's air passage and make sure the umbilical cord is free before guiding the delivery of the rest of the baby's body.

Delivery of the Placenta

• The mother will usually continue to have contractions following the delivery of her baby. This is essential for expelling the placenta, the membrane that encased the baby during pregnancy and provided nourishment via the umbilical cord. The placenta usually delivers within the first half hour after the birth of the baby. The birth attendant will usually clamp and cut the umbilical cord prior to the delivery of the placenta, although this procedure is sometimes offered to the mother's partner or other family member. Once the placenta is delivered the birth attendant will examine the tissue to ensure it is whole and that none of it remains inside the uterus where it could cause an infection.