10/07/2025
🤰 Understanding the Stages of Labor — The Journey to Birth 👶💖
Labor is one of the most powerful and transformative experiences a woman’s body goes through — a mix of strength, patience, and pure love. 🌸 Every contraction brings you one step closer to meeting your baby for the very first time. 🍼✨
Here’s a look at how labor progresses from start to finish 👇
1️⃣ Pre-Labor / Early Labor
🕒 Lasts a few hours to a few days
🌸 Cervix dilates from 0–6 cm
Contractions begin mild, 5–20 minutes apart — it’s your body’s gentle signal that your baby is on the way.
2️⃣ Active Labor
🕒 1–8 or more hours
🌸 Dilation from 6–8 cm
Contractions intensify, lasting 60 seconds and coming closer together — your body is working hard now! 💪
3️⃣ Transition Phase
🕒 10–60 minutes
🌸 Dilation 8–10 cm (complete)
This is the most intense part — strong, frequent contractions preparing your body for delivery. You’re almost there! 🌈
4️⃣ Resting Phase
🕒 A brief pause — around 10–30 minutes
Some women experience this before pushing. Take deep breaths and gather strength. 🌬️💤
5️⃣ Second Stage (Pushing and Birth)
🕒 30 minutes to 2 hours
🌸 Full dilation (10 cm)
This is when your baby makes their journey into the world. Each push brings you closer to hearing that first beautiful cry. ❤️
6️⃣ Third Stage (Delivery of Placenta)
🕒 5–30 minutes
The final stage — the placenta is delivered, and your body begins its recovery. 💖
💡 Every woman’s labor is unique. Some move through stages faster or slower, and that’s completely normal. Trust your body — it knows exactly what to do. 🌷
👩⚕️ Always stay connected with your healthcare team for guidance, comfort, and support. You’re stronger than you think, mama. 💪🤱
