What Happens During Labor?
If you are nearing your due date, you may be wondering what actually happens during labor. For many first time moms, labor can feel mysterious, emotional, and a little intimidating.
Labor is the process your body goes through to help your baby move from the uterus through the birth canal and into your arms. It usually includes contractions, cervix dilation, pushing, birth, and delivery of the placenta.
Important: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your doctor, midwife, hospital, or birth center.
Labor is commonly described in three stages: the first stage includes contractions and cervical dilation, the second stage includes pushing and birth, and the third stage is delivery of the placenta. March of Dimes and Mayo Clinic both describe labor in these three main stages.
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Stage 1: Early Labor
The first stage of labor begins when regular contractions start causing your cervix to soften, thin, and open. This process is called effacement and dilation. Mayo Clinic explains that contractions become stronger and more frequent over time as the cervix opens and thins.
During early labor, you may notice:
- Mild to moderate contractions
- Contractions that gradually become more regular
- Lower backache
- Cramping
- Bloody show or mucus discharge
- Water breaking, for some women
March of Dimes notes that early labor for first time moms can last several hours, and many people spend this stage at home if their provider says it is safe.
What to Do During Early Labor
During early labor, your provider may recommend resting, drinking fluids, eating light snacks if allowed, taking a warm shower, walking, or changing positions.
You can also:
- Time your contractions
- Review your hospital bag
- Call your provider if instructed
- Let your support person know what is happening
- Try to rest between contractions
If your water breaks, you have heavy bleeding, decreased baby movement, severe pain, or signs of labor before 37 weeks, call your healthcare provider or hospital right away.
Stage 1: Active Labor
Active labor is when contractions become stronger, longer, and closer together. Your cervix continues to dilate, and your baby moves lower into the pelvis.
During active labor, you may experience:
- Stronger contractions
- More regular contraction patterns
- More pressure in your pelvis
- Back pain or belly pain
- More focus needed during contractions
- Less ability to talk through contractions
ACOG describes the first stage of labor as having a latent phase and an active phase, with active labor generally beginning when cervical dilation is more advanced and contractions are stronger.
Transition: The Intense Final Part of Stage 1
Transition is often the most intense part of the first stage of labor. This is when your cervix finishes dilating to 10 centimeters.
You may feel:
- Very strong contractions
- Pressure in your pelvis or rectum
- Shaking or nausea
- Sweating or chills
- Emotional overwhelm
- A strong urge to push
Your care team will guide you through this stage and tell you when it is safe to begin pushing.
Stage 2: Pushing and Birth
The second stage of labor begins when your cervix is fully dilated and ends when your baby is born. During this stage, contractions help move your baby down and out through the birth canal.
You may be guided to push with contractions, or your care team may help you wait until your body is ready.
During pushing, you may notice:
- Strong pressure
- An urge to push
- Encouragement from your care team
- Position changes
- Baby moving lower
- Baby’s head beginning to crown
Every birth is different. Some women push for a short time, while others push longer, especially with a first baby.
What Happens When Baby Is Born?
After your baby is born, your care team will check your baby’s breathing, color, tone, and overall condition. If it is safe, many hospitals encourage immediate skin-to-skin contact.
You may also experience:
- Baby placed on your chest
- Cord clamping
- First cry or first sounds
- Newborn assessment
- Support with feeding, if desired
- First photos
This is a beautiful moment to remember. You may want to write down the first words you said to your baby, who was in the room, and how you felt.
Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta
The third stage of labor happens after your baby is born. During this stage, your uterus continues to contract and the placenta is delivered. March of Dimes and Mayo Clinic both describe this as the final stage of labor.
You may feel:
- Mild contractions
- Pressure
- Your provider asking you to push gently
- Your care team checking bleeding
- Your uterus being monitored
Your provider will also check you after birth and care for any tears or stitches if needed.
What Happens Right After Labor?
After labor, your care team will monitor you and your baby. They may check your bleeding, blood pressure, temperature, pain level, and recovery.
Your baby may receive routine newborn care depending on your hospital policies and your preferences.
You may want to ask your provider about:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Feeding support
- Delayed cord clamping
- Newborn procedures
- First bath timing
- Postpartum recovery instructions
How Long Does Labor Last?
Labor length varies widely. March of Dimes notes that the first stage of labor is usually the longest stage, especially for first time moms.
Factors that may affect labor length include:
- Whether this is your first baby
- Your baby’s position
- Your contraction pattern
- Your body’s response to labor
- Whether labor starts naturally or is induced
- Medical factors specific to your pregnancy
Your care team will monitor your progress and explain what is happening.
What If Labor Does Not Go as Planned?
Birth can be unpredictable. Sometimes labor moves slowly, sometimes medical support is needed, and sometimes plans change for safety.
If things change, you can ask:
- What is happening right now?
- What are my options?
- What are the benefits and risks?
- Is this urgent?
- Can I have a moment to discuss with my support person?
A flexible birth plan can help you feel prepared while leaving room for your care team to respond to your needs.
How to Prepare for Labor
Before labor begins, you can prepare by:
- Discussing signs of labor with your provider
- Learning when to call the hospital
- Packing your hospital bag
- Writing birth preferences
- Choosing your support person
- Installing the car seat
- Preparing postpartum essentials
- Writing notes or letters to baby
The Momentiqa Pregnancy Journal Gift Set can help you preserve your birth wishes, final pregnancy memories, and the story of meeting your baby. View it here.
Use the Momentiqa App During Pregnancy Preparation
The Momentiqa App is designed to work alongside Momentiqa books, helping moms organize pregnancy memories, journal prompts, preparation notes, and meaningful early motherhood moments. Learn more here.
After Baby Arrives
Once your baby is born, your birth story becomes the first chapter of a new season. You may want to document first photos, first visitors, first feeding moments, first smiles, birthdays, and everyday memories.
The Momentiqa Baby Memory Book Set helps parents preserve baby’s first years. View it here.
You can also explore the Birth to Age 5 Memory Book here.
Final Thoughts
So, what happens during labor? Your body moves through contractions, cervical dilation, active labor, transition, pushing, birth, and delivery of the placenta.
Every labor is different, but understanding the general stages can help you feel calmer and more prepared.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance, ask questions when you need clarity, and remember that flexibility is part of birth.
To preserve your final pregnancy memories and birth story, explore the Momentiqa Pregnancy Journal Book here.