When it comes to childbirth, every expectant parent has a unique experience. Sometimes, especially for first-time parents, it can be difficult to know when you’re in active labor. The first step is knowing the stages and phases of the childbirth process.

The terms stages and phases are often used interchangeably, but they are indeed different. While they both contain three parts, the actual stages of labor are in fact, separate events, with the three phases of labor actually taking place in the first stage.

We know, it can be confusing to keep track of specifics. That’s why, in this blog, we’re looking at the facts about the stages of childbirth and the phases of labor. If you want to know what you “can” expect versus what you “could” expect in all the stages and the phases, here is a breakdown.

What are the 3 Stages of Childbirth?

The three stages of childbirth include labor, pushing and delivery of the baby, and delivery of the placenta.

• Stage 1: Early, active, and transitional phases of labor. This stage is where the cervix dilates and the baby settles itself into the pelvis to prepare for delivery. Once the cervix dilates to 10 centimeters, stage one is complete.

• Stage 2: Pushing and delivery. Birthing people usually experience a strong sensation to push, similar to the feeling of needing to have a bowel movement. This stage includes the baby being delivered. However, it does not have a predictable time frame for how long it takes. Like all stages, this will vary from person to person.

• Stage 3: Placenta birth. Contractions continue throughout all stages of childbirth. Even after the baby is born, mild contractions persist to expel the placenta. Most of the time, this happens fairly quickly and with little assistance. Other times, the delivery of the placenta may need a little help from your midwife who may gently massage the uterine fundus to move the placenta along.

What are the 3 Phases of Labor?

Just like the stages of childbirth, there are also three phases of labor. All three phases take place in stage 1 of childbirth. Visually, try to think of the stages as the headings of a paper, with the phases being the subheadings under the first heading. The phases of labor include early labor, active labor, and transitional labor.

• Phase 1: Early labor. This starts at the onset of labor. This period is variable and so is the intensity of contractions. Some laboring parents are not even aware that this phase has begun, while others are quite certain. Contractions are usually erratic and vary in intensity. During this phase, the cervix has dilation of approximately 1-3 centimeters.

• Phase 2: Active labor. As the cervix dilates, contractions gain momentum in frequency and intensity. There is more of a rhythm to them, and the feeling typically goes from uncomfortable to painful. The contractions also last longer and are closer together. The cervix dilates between approximately 4-7 centimeters in this phase. Once contractions are about five minutes apart consistently, this would be the ideal time to arrive at the birth center in most (but not all) instances. More about that later.

• Phase 3: Transitional labor. This is the last and generally hardest phase. The cervix dilates 8-10 centimeters and prepares for imminent delivery of the baby. The urge to push becomes strong in this phase and at times can be the most difficult to work through as energy stores are depleting, and the body is working harder at its miraculous job. The good news, however, is that this phase is also the shortest. The transition phase ends when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters.

It’s important to note and understand that the human body and birthing experience is unique to each individual. Variations in the length and timing of contractions as well as cervical dilation can and should be expected.

How Can I Prepare for Labor and Childbirth if Every Person’s Experience is Different?

You’re already doing one of the best things you can to prepare for labor: Educating yourself! Researching, reading, and taking childbirth classes go a long way in helping you become confident in your body’s ability to give birth without interventions.

During the intensity of labor, sometimes the best form of control is actually to let go. Our bodies are miracle workers and are designed to perform this job. Your birth experience might be all you expected, or it could turn out nothing like you thought it would. Educating yourself with facts, asking questions, and taking care of yourself both mentally and physically are the best preparations for this special time. Listening to your body’s needs, along with staying hydrated and rested, are also key elements to having the strength and energy required for the natural birth experience. In addition, a positive and reliable support system is very important.

Now for the question that might be asked most often: With all the variations of stages and phases from person to person, many folks wonder, “How will I know when it’s time to go to the birth center, or if I should remain at home?”

There are general guidelines surrounding when “it’s time.” Typically, when contractions are less than five minutes apart and are lasting approximately one minute in length consistently, it’s safe to say you are in active labor and heading to the birth center is recommended. However, if your membranes rupture, there is bloody show, vomiting or any other symptoms you are unsure of, you should contact your Magnolia birth team immediately.

If you or someone you know is pregnant and wanting to learn more about having an out-of-hospital birth in Miami, consider the personalized midwifery care at Magnolia! You can set up a free consultation by filling out our form.

Miami’s Premier Natural Birthing Center – Prenatal Care and Birth Services in Miami

Sometimes we must scratch all that we are told for what we actually learn. If you’re ready to learn more about this physiological process and how Magnolia fosters healthy pregnancy and natural birthing, request a free consultation by calling 786-953-6534 or filling out our form.