Labor contractions become more intense and regular during active labor. 6 cm, the size of a small avocado or the top of a soda can.4 cm, the size of a small cookie, such as an Oreo.Stage one: active laborĭuring the active stage of labor, the cervix dilates to the following sizes: Some women may benefit from resting or eating a snack at this stage to ensure they have enough energy for the more tiring stages ahead. do not stop with rest or taking a warm shower.begin at the top of the uterus, and feel like they are pushing down.Knowing whether this is actual labor can help people to prepare.ĭuring true labor, a person’s contractions:

This increase in intensity may take just a few hours or can take many days. This is because contractions in early labor are often mild and irregular, growing steadily more intense as the labor progresses and the cervix dilates. Some women, particularly those who are giving birth for the first time, have difficulty telling whether labor has begun. Late in pregnancy, the cervix may have already dilated several centimeters before a woman experiences any symptoms of labor. 2 cm, the size of a small to medium-sized grape.In the early stages of labor, the cervix dilates to the following sizes: However, many women in labor may feel that they are experiencing many more stages than this. This stage ends with the delivery of the placenta, usually within a few minutes after the birth of the baby. Stage three: Contractions push out the placenta.

This stage ends with the birth of the baby. During this stage, women often feel a strong urge to push.

Stage two: The body begins pushing out the baby.

Stage one is complete when the cervix has dilated to 10 centimeters (cm). Contractions begin, the cervix dilates, and the baby moves down in the pelvis.

Stage one: early, active, and transition labor.

Most medical guides divide labor into three stages:

Membrane sweep at 38 weeks 3cm dilated