Stages of labour

The different stages of labour

If your contractions are 3 to 5 minutes apart or your waters have broken, call your midwife or local hospital.

Every labour is different, however there are 3 stages of labour. Once you've been assessed, your doctor or midwife will talk to you about what stage you're at. They’ll monitor you and your baby and offer any support and care you need.

Early signs of labour

The following signs might mean you’re nearing, or in labour.

• Vaginal ‘show’ of mucus
• Contractions
• Waters breaking

Stage 1 – Contractions start, and your cervix opens

In the first stage of labour your cervix softens and thins and starts to open so your baby can pass through during birth. In most labours this happens in 3 parts.

Latent phase – you'll normally have mild, irregular contractions, which may stop and start and may feel uncomfortable. You're mostly able to stay at home during this phase, which can last hours or even days.

Active phase – your contractions get more regular, are stronger, and are usually painful closer together. Your cervix will be at least 4 cm open and progressing to 8 cm. Most women go to the hospital, birth centre, or have their midwife with them if birthing at home.

Transition phase – your contractions are intense and frequent. This is usually the most painful part of labour. Your cervix will be progressing to 10 cm (fully dilated).

Stage 2 – Giving birth

The second stage of labour starts when your cervix opens to 10 cm and ends when your baby is born. When there’s enough pressure on your pelvic area, you’ll usually have a strong urge to push. The length of second stage depends on many things but is normally longer in first births. In most births, the baby's head will come out first followed by their body.

Stage 3 – Holding your baby and birthing the placenta

In the third stage of labour, you’ll birth the placenta.

Birthing the placenta

Most women birth the placenta within about 30 minutes after birth. When it comes away from the wall of your uterus, you’ll push it out through your vagina.

Your midwife or doctor will talk with you about the option of an oxytocin injection as your baby is being born. Oxytocin is a hormone and can help with your placenta coming out and reducing blood loss. Your midwife or doctor can help you deliver your placenta by guiding the umbilical cord.

Read more about the signs and stages of labour on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.

Your baby’s health check

Your midwife or doctor will check your baby is healthy and breathing. They’ll ask if you'd like to hold your baby for skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) and clamp and cut their umbilical cord. Some people like to cut the cord themselves.

Your baby will get an APGAR score at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. This is a quick check of their skin colour, reflexes, muscle tone, heart rate and breathing rate.

Learn more about APGAR scores on the Pregnancy, birth and baby website.