Handouts
Stages of Labor
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Labor is the work that your body does to allow your baby to be born . Labor is divided into three stages . First Stage : Dilation The first stage is usually the longest and includes three phases . It often begins with mild contractions , which get stronger , longer and closer . Early Labor Active Labor Transition
Average Length : a few hours to a few days Contractions : 5-20 + minutes apart
30-45 seconds long Dilation : 0-6 centimeters
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Average Length : 1-8 hours Contractions : 3-5 minutes apart
45-60 seconds long Dilation : 6-8 centimeters
Average Length : 10-60 minutes Contractions : 2-3 minutes apart
60-90 seconds long Dilation : 8-10 centimeters
Second Stage : Pushing
Third Stage : Placenta
In second stage , you work with your body to push the baby out . After birth , contractions continue in order to expel the placenta .
Average Length : 30 minutes to 2-3 hours Contractions : 3-5 minutes
60-90 seconds long Dilation : Complete
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Average Length : 5-45 minutes Contractions : Continue sporadically
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