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Before Labor Begins
The cervix is its normal size and shape. -
First Stage of Labor
Contractions make the cervix dilate, or widen. The cervix also becomes thinner, changing from its usual thickness of about 3/4 of an inch (19mm) to become as thin as a sheet of paper. This thinning is called effacement. Usually begins when contractions are coming at regular intervals. -
Transition
Transition completes the work of the first stage. The cervix becomes fully dilated to a size of 4 inches (10cm) and the baby's head slips out of the uterus into the birth canal. -
Second Stage of Labor: Crowning
When the top of the head appears at the opening of the birth canal, it is called crowning. Contractions during this stage are more productive, pushing the baby through the pelvis and out of the vagina, or birth canal. -
Second Stage of Labor: Head Emerges
The baby's head emerges first. The head has changed its shape to ease passage through the birth canal. It will later return to normal. After the head, the shoulders follow. Then the rest of the baby slips out easily. Contractions during this stage are more productive, pushing the baby through the pelvis and out of the vagina, or birth canal. -
Third Stage of Labor
The woman gies birth to the placenta, no longer needed by the baby. Able to rest briefly, then may feel a few contractions and a desire to push. These contractions usually are not painful.
