How long does the first stage of labor take?

The process of delivery for pregnant women is mainly divided into three stages, and each stage is relatively important. As a mother, you must not worry too much during the delivery process and must concentrate. Generally speaking, the first stage of labor is relatively long, and sometimes it takes a longer time. The first stage of labor is generally divided into two stages, the latent period and the active period, which together take about several hours.

How long does the first stage of labor take?

Generally, the delivery process of a mother is from the beginning of labor to the delivery of the placenta. The whole process is divided into the first stage, the second stage and the third stage. The time required is the sum of the three stages, which is generally about 8-12 hours, and the first stage lasts about 4-6 hours. The second stage of labor lasts about an hour, and the third stage lasts only 5-10 minutes. Mothers should pay attention to the fact that the length of delivery time is related to the age of the expectant mother, fetal position, mental factors, cervical dilation and the resistance of the pelvic floor tissue. If the uterine contractions are particularly strong and the labor process is significantly shortened, the labor process may be prolonged if the woman is older or nervous and afraid of childbirth.

First stage of labor

It refers to the process from labor to full dilation of the cervix. It is the most critical and time-consuming process. There are two situations with different time requirements. The first is the latent period, which refers to the period from the start of uterine contractions to the dilation of the cervix to 2-3 cm. During this period, the cervix begins to slowly expand, and on average it will open about 1 cm every 2-3 hours, which takes about 6 hours. The second refers to the active period, which is the process from the cervix opening being 2-3 cm open to the cervix being fully open. Because it is relatively active, it can be completed in about 4 hours.

Second stage of labor

It refers to the process from full dilation of the cervix to delivery of the fetus, also known as the fetal delivery period. For first-time mothers, about an hour is enough. If it exceeds 2 hours, forceps or a vacuum extractor should be used to assist delivery to prevent the placenta from staying in the pelvis for too long, being forced by uterine contractions and abdominal pressure to cause the head to constantly hit the pelvis, leading to intracranial hemorrhage.

Third stage of labor

It refers to the time from the birth of the fetus to the complete delivery of the placenta, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If the placenta has not detached after 30 minutes, it may be placental adhesion and may require artificial detachment. In severe cases, a cesarean section may be required.

I would like to remind all mothers not to be nervous when giving birth. You need to eat and rest as usual at this time. If your uterus contracts or changes before giving birth, you must listen to and cooperate with the guidance of the midwife and doctor. I hope everyone can complete the delivery smoothly and have a big fat baby!