Second Stage
Transition
Active Labor
Prelabor or Early Labor
Stages of Labor
Second Stage
Transition
Active Labor
Prelabor or Early Labor
Stage / Phase
Length
10-60 minutes
( shortest and most intense phase) a few minutes to a few hours a few hours to a few days
( longest phase) 1-8 + hours
Emotions excited, anxious, social serious, focused may panic or doubt abilities renewed confidence
Preview
Contraction Timing
5 – 20 + minutes apart 3 – 5 minutes apart Contractions: 2 – 3 minutes apart 3 – 5 minutes apart
Contraction Length
Contractions: 30 – 45 seconds long Contractions: 60 + seconds long Contractions: 60 – 90 seconds long Contractions: 60 – 90 seconds long
Dilation
0 – 6 centimeters 6 – 8 centimeters 8 – 10 centimeters completely dilated
Normal Signs and What to Do • Nesting
• Mucus and frequent loose BMs
• Distract yourself, eat, drink, sleep
© PLUMTREE BABY, LLC
• Intense pressure in the bottom
• Hot and thirsty
• Overwhelming urge to bear down
• Often when water breaks on its own
• Feeling shaky and nauseous, may vomit
• Contractions may double peak
• Needs support
• Losing modesty
• Often best time to leave for birth place
© PLUMTREE BABY, LLC
Permission to copy this page is granted for personal use with the purchase of Plumtree Baby Childbirth Curriculum.