Q: How many stages are there in labour?

There are 3 stages of labour:-

Stage 1

1. In this stage, there is a contraction of the uterus with dilation of the cervix.
2. You may experience slight labour pains.
3. For 1st time mother, this stage lasts about 10 to 15 hours. It is shorter in future pregnancies.

Stage 2

1. The stage where the cervix is fully dilated.
2. There are strong uterine contractions and baby emerges from birth canal.
3. It lasts about 1 to 2 hours in the first pregnancy.

Stage 3

1. After the delivery of the baby until the delivery of the placenta constitutes the 3rd and last stage.