What Are the Stages of Labor? Labor is the body’s natural process of childbirth. It lasts on average 12 to 24 hours for a first birth. Usually, labor is shorter for births after that. Labor happens in ...

In preparation for the birth of your baby, your cervix effaces (thins and stretches) and dilates (opens) so your baby can fit through the birth canal. This cervical ripening can begin days or even ...

You've made it through nine(ish) months of pregnancy, and now the big day has arrived: Your baby's birthday! You might be eager to take on the stages of labor, or you may be nervous about what's to ...

The muscles of your uterus contract, pulling up the cervix and causing it to gradually open up (dilate). At the same time, your baby's head slowly moves down into the pelvis, pressing on the cervix ...

There may be twists and turns as your labor unfolds. But knowing what you might encounter can help you navigate this exciting but potentially challenging experience. Credit...Shawna X Supported by By ...

Stage 1: up until descent of the fetal head to the pelvic floor Stage 2: active expulsion of the baby Stage 3: expulsion of the placenta Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) refers to excessive blood loss ...