Labor Stages and Contraction Times, Explained

Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026

Timings vary a lot between people and between labors. These are typical ranges, not targets. Track your own with the contraction timer, and see when to go to the hospital for contractions for when to call.

The stages of labor at a glance

Stage	Phase	Cervix	Contractions (typical)	How long (typical)
1	Early (latent)	0 to about 4–5 cm	Irregular; about 5–30 min apart; 30–45 sec	Hours to days
1	Active (established)	About 4–5 cm to 7–8 cm	Regular; about 3–5 min apart; 45–60+ sec	NHS: 8–18 h (first baby)
1	Transition	About 8 to 10 cm	About 2–3 min apart; 60–90 sec; intense	Often under an hour or two
2	Pushing and birth	Fully dilated, 10 cm	Every 2–5 min; urge to push	NHS: up to 3 h (first), 2 h (later)
3	Placenta	—	Milder contractions	NHS: within about 30 min with active management

The NHS defines established labor as starting at about 4 cm. The WHO's 2018 guidance puts the start of the active phase at 5 cm. The exact line differs between guidelines, which is why you may see different numbers.

Stage 1: early (latent) labor

The NHS says this is when your cervix softens, thins and starts to open. It's usually the longest stage, and it can take many hours or even days. Contractions may be irregular and range from slightly uncomfortable to more painful, and there's no set pattern.

What helps (NHS):

• eat and drink to keep your energy up
• if it's night, rest and sleep if you can
• if it's daytime, stay upright and gently active
• breathing exercises, massage, a warm bath or shower

You'll usually be advised to stay at home during this phase. If you go in, you may be sent home for a while.

Stage 1: active (established) labor

Contractions become stronger, longer and more regular. ACOG says true labor contractions come at regular intervals, get closer together and each lasts about 60 to 90 seconds. The NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit when contractions are regular and every 5 minutes or more often.

In a first pregnancy, the NHS says the time from established labor to being fully dilated is usually 8 to 18 hours, and often 5 to 12 hours in a second or third pregnancy. The WHO says the active phase usually doesn't go beyond 12 hours in first labors and 10 hours in later ones.

Transition

Transition is the end of the first stage, as the cervix opens the last few centimetres. Contractions are at their strongest and closest together. Many people feel shaky, hot or cold, sick, or overwhelmed, and may start to feel pressure or an urge to push. It's usually the shortest part of the first stage.

Stage 2: pushing and birth

This stage starts when your cervix is fully dilated (about 10 cm) and ends with the birth of your baby. The NHS says you may feel an urge to push that feels like needing to poo, though not everyone feels it immediately, and you may not feel it at all with an epidural.

• First baby: pushing should last no longer than 3 hours (NHS).
• Later babies: no more than 2 hours (NHS).

When your baby's head is almost out, your midwife may ask you to stop pushing and breathe in short breaths, so the head is born slowly. The rest of the body usually follows in the next one or two contractions.

Stage 3: the placenta

After the birth, your uterus contracts again to deliver the placenta. The NHS describes two options:

Option	What happens	Timing
Active management	An oxytocin injection as or soon after you give birth; the midwife gently pulls the cord	Usually within 30 minutes
Physiological	No medicine; the placenta comes naturally	Can take longer

Active management lowers the risk of heavy bleeding after birth but can make you more likely to feel or be sick. Your midwife will talk through the options with you, ideally before labor.

How long does labor last overall?

	First baby	Later babies
Total labor (ACOG)	12 to 18 hours	8 to 10 hours
Established first stage (NHS)	8 to 18 hours	5 to 12 hours
Pushing stage (NHS, upper limit)	3 hours	2 hours

Every labor is different. Yours may be quicker or slower than these ranges, and different from your friends' or even your own previous labors.

When labor is slower than expected

The NHS says labor can be slow if contractions aren't frequent or strong enough or if your baby is in an awkward position. Your midwife or doctor may suggest breaking your waters or an oxytocin drip. If you're being induced, read ACOG's guide to labor induction.

When to call during labor

Call your midwife or maternity unit urgently if your waters break, you have bleeding, your baby is moving less, you're under 37 weeks, or contractions last longer than 2 minutes or come 6 or more times in 10 minutes. Call an ambulance if you feel a strong urge to push and think your baby is coming now.

How Momi helps

Momi's contraction timer records how long each contraction lasts and the time between them, saves the log and shows averages. As labor moves from early to active, you'll see the gaps shrink and the contractions lengthen, and you'll have clear numbers when you call your midwife.

Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.

Related: how to time contractions · Braxton Hicks vs real contractions · 40 weeks pregnant · third trimester · pregnancy to-do list

Sources

• NHS, The stages of labour and birth
• NHS, Signs that labour has begun
• ACOG, How to Tell When Labor Begins
• WHO, Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience (2018)
• Mayo Clinic, Signs of labor: Know what to expect
• ACOG, Labor Induction

Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.