Birth - frequently asked questions

How long does labour last?

All labours are different. Every labour is unique. The length of each person’s labour is different.

How quickly your labour progresses will depend on the baby descending (going down through the pelvis) and the cervix dilating (opening up) with strong, regular contractions.

On average for your first baby, the:

• first stage of labour can last from 10 to 14 hours
• second stage of labour can take one to two hours to push your baby out
• third stage can last five to 45 minutes
• fourth stage is the first two hours after birth.

If you have had a baby before, the:

• first stage of labour can last from five to eight hours
• second stage can last from five minutes to an hour.

In this guide:

1. When does labour start?
2. When will my waters break?
3. How long does labour last?
4. What is pre-labour?
5. What do contractions feel like?
6. How do I time contractions?
7. When do I come to hospital?
8. What do I bring to hospital?
9. What happens when I get to hospital?
10. What if my labour is progressing slowly?
11. What is the best position for giving birth?
12. What is an episiotomy?
13. How will my baby be monitored during labour?
14. What is a CTG?
15. Why do I need internal (vaginal) examinations?
16. Can I take my placenta home?
17. How do I register my baby’s birth?

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