What Are the Stages of Labor?

There are three stages of labor: contractions, childbirth, and delivery of the placenta.

Pregnancycan be full of surprises, andlaboris no different.

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

What Are the Stages of Labor?

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

Below, learn more about what to expect during each stage of labor.

Typically, this is the longest stage of labor.

There are two phases to the first stage of labor: early labor and active labor.

While every labor journey is different, you may experience:

Most pregnant people spend this time at home.

This stage can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

It tends to take longer for your first baby or if you’ve had an epidural.

The third stage of labor is the shortest and usually takes about five to 30 minutes.

Youve got quite the journey ahead, but its well worth the struggle.

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