Giving birth actually entails four different stages of labor during a traditional birthing experience. The first stage is active labor, which is when contractions not only become stronger, but they also last longer and come quicker. Stage two is arguably the hardest stage, since it includes the dilating of the cervix. Once the baby’s head has appropriately descended, it is time to enter stage three, the pushing stage. The final stage is the delivery of the placenta once the baby has already been born.

Key Takeaways:

  • When contractions grow stronger and closer together, this is known as active labour.
  • Stage 2 is the transition phase and for many women, is the most physically uncomfortable part of labour.
  • Stage 3 of labour is the pushing phase, when the baby’s head crowns and they eventually emerges from the vagina.

“From start to finish, here are the four stages of labour.”

Read more: https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/the-stages-of-labour/