Beside you for every stage of labor

The cervix softens, shortens and opens to about 6 cm. You may pass the mucus plug — a clear, pink or slightly bloody discharge.

Contractions — Mild to moderate, often irregular. Commonly around 5–20 minutes apart in this phase.

Typical length — Unpredictable — hours to days, and it can stop and start.

• Most people with a low-risk pregnancy spend early labor at home.
• Rest and sleep if you can; eat and drink normally unless told otherwise.
• Walking, a warm shower, position changes and calm surroundings help.
• Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular practice contractions — they do not build a pattern.

The cervix opens from about 6 cm to 10 cm. This is the point at which you should be at your hospital or birth centre.

Contractions — Stronger, longer and more consistent — typically around 3–5 minutes apart and building.

Typical length — Often 4–8 hours or more; on average the cervix opens about 1 cm per hour.

• Your water may break now if it has not already.
• Back and thigh pressure, leg cramps and nausea are common.
• Pain relief — from breathing and movement to an epidural — is your choice to make and can be asked for at any time.
• Only you can judge your need for pain relief.

The last part of the first stage, as the cervix finishes opening to 10 cm. Many people describe it as the most intense stretch.

Contractions — Close together, lasting roughly 60–90 seconds.

Typical length — Typically short — about 15–60 minutes.

• Strong pressure in the lower back and rectum is common.
• Tell your care team as soon as you feel an urge to push.
• If the cervix is not fully open, panting or blowing through contractions is usually advised rather than pushing.

You bear down with contractions and rest in between. Some people are coached on when to push; others push on instinct.

Contractions — Around every 2–5 minutes, lasting roughly 60–90 seconds.

Typical length — Minutes to hours, depending on the birth.

• Squatting, kneeling, side-lying, hands and knees and semi-reclining are all used — find what works.
• You may be asked to push more gently near the end to let tissues stretch rather than tear.
• Your team can check progress and tell you whether your efforts are moving your baby down.

Your baby's head becomes visible and stays visible between contractions, then your baby is guided out. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut.

Contractions — Continue until the birth is complete.

Typical length — Usually the shortest, most concentrated part of the stage.

• Skin-to-skin contact straight after birth is a common preference to write down in advance.
• Who cuts the cord, and when, is often something you can ask for.

Mild contractions return. You may be asked to push, or your provider may press on your abdomen to help the placenta move down.

Contractions — Milder than labor contractions, and short-lived.

Typical length — Typically 5–30 minutes.

• Some vaginal bleeding during and after is expected; chills and shaking are common.
• Your provider checks the placenta is complete and may massage the uterus to help it firm up.
• Any tears or an episiotomy are repaired at this point.

Skin-to-skin contact, a first feed if you plan to breastfeed, and the newborn checks your team performs.

Contractions — Afterpains as the uterus contracts back down.

Typical length — The first hour or so after birth.

• Newborn procedures — vitamin K, eye ointment, first bath, weighing — can usually be timed around you.
• Your written preferences matter most here, when you are least able to argue for them.