When the signs of labor have kicked in, there’s not much time left before you can finally hold your baby in your arms. To help you breeze through the whole experience, it is important that you understand the labor process.

Labor is divided into three stages, beginning with your first contraction until your very last push to deliver the placenta.

First stage.
On this stage, your contractions open your cervix. Contractions become very intense and frequent, which is a sign that labor is progressing well. This is the longest stage of labor, with some lasting as long as 20 hours!

Second stage.
You are in the second stage when your cervix has fully dilated to 100%, which is the ideal condition for delivery of your baby. For first time moms, this stage can last for up to 3 hours. You'll push the baby out of the uterus and the birth canal with the force of the contractions. Initially, the head is delivered, followed by each of the shoulders and then the feet.

Third stage
Once your baby is delivered, you’re not quite done yet. The third stage can take up to half an hour as you have to deliver the placenta. Your doctor or midwife may massage your belly to help your uterus contract to deliver the placenta.

Once the baby and placenta are out and you’re all cleaned up, your baby will latch on to you for the first moment of breastfeeding. Well done!