Despite every woman’s experience of labour being completely different, the various stages of labour are common for all women. These are as follows:

The early (latent) phase

This phase can last for over a day or so if this is your first labour. Your contractions gradually become more intense but are still relatively mild and happen more frequently, although they can be irregular. During this phase, your cervix starts to soften so it can open. When the cervix is approximately 3–4 cm dilated and you’re having regular, strong contractions, you have moved into the active phase.

The active phase

The active phase of the first stage of labour happens more quickly and predictably for women. However, when you enter this phase, it can be hard to identify, even for the midwife. For most women, active labour happens at around 4cm dilation. Contractions are regular, around every 5 minutes, and get closer together until they’re every 2 to 4 minutes apart, lasting approximately 45 seconds. Active labour typically begins around 10–12 hours before birth, although this can be significantly shorter in a second or third labour.

In active labour, the nature of your contractions changes—pain moves from the lower abdomen to the higher abdomen and towards the lower back and pelvis as your baby is pushed down. Contractions feel like severe period pain and keep increasing in intensity until they reach their peak. For first labours, 90% of women dilate approximately 0.5cm per hour, whereas dilation moves faster in subsequent births. If you haven’t already, you may wish to opt for pain relief, such as gas and air, pethidine, or an epidural.

Monitoring during labour

You and your baby will be continuously monitored during labour to make sure you’re both coping well.

If this is your first labour, you may have two to three vaginal examinations with your consent. In subsequent labours, you may have just one.

The midwife will use her index and middle fingers to assess the baby’s position, and she’ll check on you often to ensure labour is progressing.

Your midwife will also use a handheld device to monitor your baby’s heart every 15 minutes. She may suggest electronic monitoring if there are any concerns about you or your baby.

If you need electronic monitoring, two pads will be strapped to your bump. One pad is used to monitor your contractions, and the other to monitor your baby’s heartbeat. These pads are attached to a monitor that displays your contractions and your baby’s heartbeat. Sometimes a foetal heart monitor will be attached to your baby’s head for a more accurate measurement of your baby’s heartbeat and removed once your baby is born.

You can ask to have electronic monitoring even if there is no sign of concern, but be aware that the monitors can restrict your movement.

Transition

Transition is the time between the end of the first stage of labour and the beginning of the second stage, when you’re ready to start pushing. This can be quick or last for up to two hours. On average, this phase lasts about 30 minutes and can be one of the most challenging parts of labour. Contractions become very intense and can feel continuous, occurring every 30–90 seconds and lasting for 60–90 seconds. Transition can be especially challenging for those who choose not to have an epidural, as you are likely to feel a lot of pressure on your lower back and rectum with an overwhelming urge to push. But because your cervix hasn’t fully dilated by this point, you must refrain from pushing, as it will tear the cervix, causing it to swell and thicken, which prolongs labour. It’s not uncommon to feel like vomiting at this point, a side effect of the stretching of your cervix and the pressure on your pelvis.

You may tremble, shake, feel exhausted, out of control, and possibly frightened. It is during this time that you may feel like you can’t go on. You will need a lot of support and reassurance from your partner and midwife during this time.

What can I expect in each stage of labour (Part One)?

Unii’s Giving Birth Journey covers the early, active and transitional stages.