The stages of labour: what happens and how long it takes

Labour doesn’t look the same for everyone, but it does follow a pattern. Here are the stages, roughly how long each lasts, and what is happening in your body.

Early (latent) labour

The NHS says this is when your cervix softens and starts to open. It is usually the longest stage and can last hours or even days. Contractions are irregular and can range from mildly uncomfortable to painful. Tommy’s puts the average at 9 to 12 hours for a first baby and 7 to 9 hours after a previous labour. See early labour: what to do at home.

Established labour (the active first stage)

Established labour begins when your cervix reaches about 4cm and your contractions become stronger and more frequent. Your cervix needs to open about 10cm for your baby to pass through. The NHS says it typically takes 8 to 18 hours from established labour to full dilation in a first pregnancy, and about 5 to 12 hours in a second or third.

The second stage: pushing and birth

This runs from full dilation until your baby is born. The NHS says pushing usually lasts no longer than 3 hours for a first baby, and no longer than 2 hours if you’ve given birth before. If it is taking longer, your team will talk to you about the options, which can include an assisted birth.

The third stage: the placenta

This begins after your baby is born and ends when the placenta comes out. You’ll usually be offered one of two approaches, and you can find out more in the first hour after birth.

Active management: an injection of oxytocin in your thigh, with the cord clamped and cut 1 to 5 minutes after the birth. The placenta usually comes out within 30 minutes.
Physiological management: no injection. The cord is cut once it stops pulsing, usually 2 to 4 minutes after the birth, and the placenta can take up to an hour to separate. Your midwife will suggest switching to active management if it doesn’t come away or if you’re bleeding heavily.

Timings are a guide

These are averages, not deadlines. Some people’s labours are quick and some are slow, and either can be completely normal. Your midwife watches how you and your baby are doing, not just the clock.

When to get help

The NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit for guidance if you think you’re in labour, or if your contractions are coming every 5 minutes or more often. Call them straight away, day or night, if:

your waters break
you have vaginal bleeding
your baby is moving less than usual
you’re under 37 weeks and think you may be in labour
a contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes
you have 6 or more contractions in 10 minutes

If you can’t reach your midwife or maternity unit, call NHS 111 (where available). If you’re in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, use the number on your maternity notes first. Call 999 if you think your baby is coming now and you have a strong urge to push.

Questions people ask

How long does labour last for a first baby?

The NHS gives 8 to 18 hours from established labour to full dilation for a first pregnancy, not counting early labour, which can take hours or days before that.

Is labour faster the second time?

Often, yes. The NHS says established labour typically takes about 5 to 12 hours in a second or third pregnancy, and Tommy’s says early labour tends to be shorter too.

What’s the difference between contractions and Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks are practice tightenings that don’t open the cervix. See Braxton Hicks contractions and signs of labour.

What if my waters break first?

See how to tell if your waters have broken.