Labor Signs, Stages, and What to Expect
Labor is the process your body goes through to bring your baby into the world. For many parents, it is a mix of anticipation, intensity, and deep emotion — and often a powerful sense of accomplishment afterward. Every labor is different. Some begin gradually, others progress quickly. Understanding the stages and common signs can help you feel more prepared and confident.
If you would like to return to the Giving Birth guide, visit the Giving Birth hub.
Prolonged Labor: Failure To Progress
Braxton Hicks Contractions - Causes, Symptoms & Pain Relief
Your Child's First Test: The APGAR
Patterned Breathing During Labor
Perineal Massage During Pregnancy
Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)
Mucus Plug - An important Part of Pregnancy
What is Dilation in Pregnancy?
Episiotomy - Advantages, Complications, and Care
Relaxation Techniques to Help Contractions
A Doula Is Your Birth Friend Forever (BFFs)
How a Doula Makes Birth Easier
Having a Doula - What are the Benefits?
Should You Bank Your Baby's Cord Blood?
Umbilical Cord Milking - Benefits For Preterm Newborns
What Is Labor?
Labor is defined as regular uterine contractions that cause progressive cervical dilation and effacement, leading to birth.1 While labor follows a general pattern, the timing and intensity vary widely.
During labor:
- The cervix softens and opens
- The baby moves downward through the pelvis
- Contractions become rhythmic and stronger
Signs of Labor
True labor contractions typically continue even when changing positions or resting.2
Common signs that labor may be starting include:
- Regular contractions that increase in intensity
- Contractions that become closer together
- Lower back pain or pelvic pressure
- Rupture of membranes (“water breaking”)
- Bloody show (mucus plug discharge)
Learn to recognize the signs of labor and when to contact your provider
Stages of Labor
Labor is typically divided into three stages: the first stage (cervical dilation), the second stage (pushing and birth), and the third stage (delivery of the placenta).3 These stages help providers monitor progress and guide care.
Get an overview of all three stages of labor and what happens during each
First Stage of Labor
The first stage includes early labor and active labor. During early labor, the cervix dilates from 0 to 6 cm. During active labor, it dilates from 6 to 10 cm. Contractions become stronger, longer, and closer together during active labor.3
Explore what happens during the first stage of labor in detail
Second Stage of Labor
The second stage begins when the cervix reaches 10 cm dilation and ends with the birth of your baby.3 This stage involves pushing with contractions, your baby descending through the birth canal, and crowning and birth. Many parents describe this stage as physically demanding — and also deeply meaningful.
Learn what to expect during the pushing stage and birth of your baby
Third Stage of Labor
The third stage involves delivery of the placenta and typically lasts between 5 and 30 minutes.3 Healthcare providers monitor placental delivery, bleeding, and uterine tone.
Find out what happens after your baby is born during the third stage of labor
Types of Labor
Not all labor follows a straightforward pattern. Understanding differences between false and active labor can help reduce unnecessary hospital visits.
Types of labor may include prodromal labor, premature labor, Braxton Hicks contractions, prolonged labor, false labor, and rapid labor.
Learn about the different types of labor and what distinguishes each one
Labor and Birth Terms
During labor, you may hear medical terms such as dilation, effacement, station, Apgar score, breech presentation, and retained placenta. Clear understanding supports informed communication with your care team.
Look up common labor and birth terms so you feel confident during delivery
Support During Labor
Continuous labor support has been associated with improved outcomes and greater satisfaction with the birth experience.4 Feeling supported can positively influence both the emotional and physical experience of labor.
Support may come from a partner, a doula, a midwife, or family members.
Learn about the roles of doulas and midwives and how they support labor
Preparing for Birth With Confidence
Labor can be unpredictable — but preparation helps build confidence. Birth is demanding work. Many parents leave the experience feeling a profound sense of strength and accomplishment, regardless of how labor unfolds.
Compare pain management options for labor and find what may work best for you
Explore delivery environments, birth settings, and what each option involves
Explore postpartum recovery, newborn care, and life after birth
