What are the various stages of labor?

2 replies [Last post]
  • joybaby

I have heard from friends who are moms that there are 3 stages of labor. What does that mean? What can I expect in the 3 stages of labor. Are these all related to the pain that is caused during delivery.

  • missymiss

From the time you start having contractions till the passing of placenta is the whole labor process. The first stage is the time since you start having contraction and cervix dilation.

The second stage involves the pushing till the birth of the baby.

Birth of the baby is not the end. The third and the last stage is the passing of the placenta.

  • vinamydear

In addition to what missymiss has specified I would like to add that the first stage of labor is the longest one. It can last for hours.

The second stage may last upto an hour.
An the third and the last stage may come within few minutes after the birth of the baby or it may take upto an hour.