Active labor usually lasts about 4 to 8 hours. It starts when your contractions are regular and your cervix has dilated to 6 centimeters. In active labor: Your contractions get stronger, longer and more painful.
How long does the average labour last?
How long it lasts: Active labor often lasts four to eight hours or more. On average, your cervix will dilate at approximately one centimeter per hour.
What are the 4 stages of labour?
Labor happens in four stages:
- First stage: Dilation of the cervix (mouth of the uterus)
- Second stage: Delivery of the baby.
- Third stage: Afterbirth where you push out the placenta.
- Fourth stage: Recovery.
