Generally there are 3 stages of labour

The First Stage 

First stage phase 1 The first stage of labour is usually the easiest and lengthy. During this, the cervix dilates and thins out starting slowly helping the mother to adjust to the perception and movement of labour. In early labour the contractions are mild, short and irregular, they may repeat every 20-25 minutes last 30-35 seconds, mild to moderately strong. This will not affect your normal activity and as labour progresses, these contractions will become stronger, longer and more regular. 

First stage- phase 2 – active labour is marked by increase in contractions which differ in their duration and will continue every 2-3 minutes lasting for 45-75 seconds and will be moderate to strong. 

The Second stage 

Second Stage of labor includes the baby being born from contractions that are now strong enough to expel it. It starts with the cervix 10 cm dilated and the uterus activity has become significant. Pushing effectively is very important during this stage and many women experience a gap of 20-30 minutes before active pushing begins. Your pushing should help your contractions expel the baby and the doctor present during labour will guide you through this. 

Just before the baby is born, there’s a very strong push that is felt as a burning sensation and this is basically the crowning of the baby- where the baby’s head is at the opening at the vagina. At this point you will be guided to push slowly so that minimal tearing occurs at the opening of vagina. After the baby’s head is delivered they make a small turning movement/ a slight twist in order for its entire body to be delivered. Right after the baby’s born it is kept onto the mother’s lap to encourage skin to skin cuddling and to initiate breastfeeding. The cord is cut and the baby does not feel this change. 

The Third Stage 

Third Stage of delivery involves delivering the placenta and this after the mother and baby have usually had the chance to cuddle together. After the baby is born, the uterus contracts once more and this helps to separate the placenta from the uterus – this happens within 10-30 minutes after the baby is born and might feel like a mild cramp.