WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

The First Stage of Labor: Early, Active, and Transition Phases

Childbirth
Stages of labor
The First Stage of Labor: Early, Active, and Transition Phases
The first stage of labor is the beginning of your journey to meet your baby.
It's the longest of the three stages and involves the initial onset of contractions leading to full cervical dilation.
Understanding the different phases within this stage can help you prepare for what's to come.
Key Facts
The first stage of labor is divided into three phases: early labor, active labor, and the transition phase. It begins with the onset of labor contractions and ends when your cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm.
Early Labor Phase
  • What Happens: Your cervix begins to thin out (efface) and open (dilate) gradually. Contractions are typically mild and irregular at first but will become more regular over time.
  • Duration: For first-time moms, early labor can last from hours to days. It's usually shorter for women who've had previous deliveries.
  • What to Do: Stay relaxed and comfortable. Monitor contractions, rest as much as possible, eat light meals or snacks, and keep hydrated.
Active Labor Phase
  • What Happens: This is when your contractions become stronger, longer, and more regular. Your cervix will dilate from about 4 cm to 7 cm.
  • Duration: Active labor typically lasts between 4-8 hours, but this can vary widely.
  • What to Do: Focus on breathing and relaxation techniques. This is often when women head to the hospital or birthing center. Stay in communication with your healthcare provider.
Transition Phase
  • What Happens: This is the most intense but shortest phase. Your cervix will dilate from 8 cm to a full 10 cm. Contractions will be long, strong, and close together.
  • Duration: It can last from a few minutes to a few hours.
  • What to Do: Use deep breathing and visualization techniques. Support from your birth partner or team is crucial during this phase.
Monitoring the Situation
  • Contraction Timing: Keep track of the duration of each contraction and the time between them. This will help you recognize the shift from early to active labor.
  • Physical and Emotional Signs: Be aware of your body's signals, such as increased back pain, a heavier bloody show, or water breaking.
What to Do Next
  • Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider: Inform them when you believe you've entered active labor.
  • Comfort Measures: Use techniques learned in childbirth classes, such as changing positions, massages, or warm showers.
  • Stay Focused: Remember, each phase is bringing you closer to meeting your baby.
Q&As
  1. When should I go to the hospital or birthing center?
  2. Can I eat during the first stage of labor?
  3. What if my water breaks during the first stage?
  4. How can I differentiate true labor from false labor?
  5. Is it normal to feel anxious or scared?
The first stage of labor sets the stage for the incredible journey of childbirth. Knowing what to expect in each phase can help you manage your labor more effectively and prepare for the arrival of your little one.
Embrace the process, trust in your body, and keep your eye on the beautiful prize at the end — meeting your baby.
You are powerful, and you can do this!
B
Brittany
30 Nov 2023

They scheduling me to be induced next week instead of 2 weeks I’m in the early active stage of labor but they feel I will be more comfortable at home they giving me morphine before I leave to help with pain for now

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
A
April
Have you dilated any. I’m 36 weeks also I’m 3cm. I have my induction date 12/8 if he don’t come before then.
27 Mar 2024

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B
Brittany
Yeah I’m 4 maybe 41/2 cm dilated and 36 weeks and 4 days and they scheduled me to be induced next week unless baby comes first
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amber
28 Oct 2023

is the baby being more active a sign of early labor? i just feel like he’s extremely active and in my ribs lol

Childbirth Stages of labor
8 comments
T
Tatiana
no, unless you’re having contractions or something, but active is good.
27 Mar 2024

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jaebae jayyyy
No mine got super active around that time too. Just getting big enuf to feel erything. I thought the same.thing tho 😂😂
27 Mar 2024

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L
Laurence
12 Aug 2023

Been getting period like cramps now and then, not too painful. This morning I am getting them again but more intense. My stomach doesn’t get hard or anything. No blood and no mucus plug. Could this be a sign of early labor? I read online that early labor can feel like having period cramps for hours/days and can start happening 2 weeks before active labor and can be longer for first time moms like me. I am 34 weeks now.

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
A
Aspen Ortiz
I’m 35 weeks and I’m starting to feel the same thing! I even feel zapping going from my crotch radiating up to the lower part of my abdomen.
27 Mar 2024

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M
Milissa
20 Jun 2023

So babygirl is making her arrival im in active early labor they admitted me 🥹🩵

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
L
Lynzee
Prayers everything goes well!
27 Mar 2024

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T
Teri
Safe and speedy delivery 🎉
27 Mar 2024

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B
Barbie
18 Jun 2023

I'm really worried I'm going into early active labor!!! I have really bad constant back pain. Pain in my abdominal / vagina that keep coming in waves and sharp cramps. please tell me this is not it?

Childbirth Stages of labor
1 comments
S
Sha
Go to labor& delivery to get checked
27 Mar 2024

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A
AnaMaria
30 May 2023

So I’m pretty sure I’m in the early labor stage. Started around 5:30 this morning and I’ve been having contractions every 5 minutes ish I’m suppose to see my doctor at 2:30 today so hopefully they will say let’s go ! #laboring #babycoming #39weeks #cantwaittomeetlittleman

Childbirth Stages of labor
4 comments
J
Jasiah
I’m am dealing with that right now
27 Mar 2024

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A
AnaMaria
Im at 9cm already so baby is almost here
27 Mar 2024

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D
Desarie
26 Feb 2023

Baby is healthy and active. Not in active labor at this moment right now but dilating still

Childbirth Stages of labor
3 comments
M
Melissa
What are you dilated to again?
27 Mar 2024

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D
Desarie
3.5cm
27 Mar 2024

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Y
Yannie
5 Jan 2023

So tired and relieved and elated at the same time 4 1/2 hours of active labor with the finish on 4 pushes no rips & all natural . I’m proud of myself and grateful for my widdle bundle of joy

Childbirth Stages of labor
12 comments
L
Lena
Congratulations
27 Mar 2024

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N
Neecie
Awwwww congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rie🧿
18 Oct 2022

Woke up and felt a pop and just KNEW my water broke!! 2am and still at the hospital in the first stage of labor at 6:30PM🧿getting there!! #naturalBirth🤘🏾

Childbirth Stages of labor
2 comments
R
Rae
Yayyy! You look amazing ❤️❤️🎉 congratulations and may you have a beautiful experience meeting your baby!
27 Mar 2024

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