Labour Stages Explained: What Happens During Early, Active, and Transition Labour

Labour is an extraordinary and powerful process, marking the final stages of your pregnancy and the beginning of your journey as a parent. Understanding the different stages of labour—early, active, and transition—can help you feel more confident and prepared for the experience ahead. Whether you are a first-time parent or have been through labour before, knowing what to expect at each stage can help you respond calmly and make informed decisions as labour progresses.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down each stage of labour, offering insight into what happens to your body, what to expect, and how antenatal care, antenatal yoga, and other antenatal support can assist you during these crucial moments. You’ll also learn how your antenatal appointments and antenatal education can help you prepare for labour and birth.

The Importance of Antenatal Care in Preparing for Labour

Antenatal care plays a vital role in preparing for labour. During your antenatal appointments, you’ll receive information about the different stages of labour, signs of progression, and when to head to the hospital or birth centre. Your antenatal care team, including your midwife or doctor, will help you understand what to expect and guide you in making decisions about pain management, birth plans, and more.

In addition to the medical care you receive, antenatal education, such as antenatal classes, provides practical knowledge on how to cope with labour, including the benefits of antenatal yoga, relaxation techniques, and antenatal massage for easing discomfort during pregnancy and labour. By attending these classes, you’ll also have the chance to ask questions and connect with other expectant parents, creating a supportive community around your pregnancy.

Now, let’s dive into the three main stages of labour.

Stage One: Early Labour

The first stage of labour is divided into two parts: early labour and active labour. Early labour is often the longest phase and can last several hours or even days, especially for first-time mothers. During this stage, your cervix begins to soften, thin, and dilate, and mild, irregular contractions may begin. Here’s what to expect during early labour:

1. Signs of Early Labour

The onset of early labour can be subtle, and some women may not realise they are in labour right away. Common signs of early labour include:

Mild, irregular contractions that may feel like menstrual cramps

Backache or discomfort in the lower abdomen

The “show” or loss of the mucus plug, which may appear as a thick, jelly-like discharge

Lightening or the baby “dropping” into the pelvis, which can ease breathing but increase pelvic pressure

While early labour contractions can be uncomfortable, they are generally not intense or frequent enough to warrant heading to the hospital yet. During your antenatal appointments, your healthcare provider will discuss when to contact the hospital or midwife, usually when contractions become more regular and intense.

2. Coping with Early Labour

In early labour, it’s important to conserve your energy and remain as relaxed as possible. You may choose to go for a walk, take a warm bath, or practise some of the techniques you’ve learned in antenatal yoga or antenatal education. Gentle stretching and breathing exercises can help you manage discomfort and stay calm during this stage.

Antenatal massage or prenatal massage may also provide relief, as it promotes relaxation and reduces tension in the back and hips. During your antenatal care, you may have discussed different massage techniques with your partner or support person, who can assist you in easing any discomfort.

3. When to Contact Your Antenatal Clinic

In early labour, it’s not always necessary to go to the hospital right away. However, it’s important to keep in touch with your antenatal clinic or healthcare provider, especially if:

Your contractions become regular and are increasing in intensity

Your water breaks (rupture of membranes)

You experience any signs of concern, such as heavy bleeding, reduced foetal movement, or severe pain

Your antenatal care team will advise you on when to head to the hospital, based on the progression of your labour.

Stage Two: Active Labour

Active labour marks the point where things start to intensify. This stage typically lasts several hours, though the length can vary. During active labour, your cervix dilates from around 4 cm to 10 cm, and your contractions become stronger, longer, and more frequent.

1. Signs of Active Labour

As labour progresses, you’ll notice that your contractions are more intense and follow a regular pattern. You may experience:

Stronger, longer contractions that last 45 to 60 seconds and occur every 3 to 5 minutes

Increased pressure in the pelvis and lower back

Difficulty talking or moving during contractions

A growing urge to push as the baby moves lower into the birth canal

At this stage, you will likely be at the hospital or birth centre, under the care of your antenatal team. During antenatal appointments, you may have discussed a birth plan, which outlines your preferences for pain relief, birthing positions, and other aspects of your labour. Your healthcare provider will support you in following your plan and making adjustments as needed.

2. Pain Relief Options in Active Labour

There are various pain relief options available during active labour, ranging from natural techniques to medical interventions. Some women prefer to rely on breathing exercises, movement, and relaxation techniques learned in antenatal yoga or antenatal education. Others may opt for medical pain relief, such as:

Epidurals: A form of regional anaesthesia that numbs the lower half of the body

Gas and air (Entonox): A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide that helps take the edge off contractions

Pethidine: An opioid pain relief injection

Your antenatal clinic will have provided information on these options during your antenatal checkups, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and needs.

3. Staying Calm and Focused

During active labour, it’s essential to stay as calm and focused as possible. Your antenatal education will have taught you valuable techniques for managing pain and staying relaxed, such as deep breathing, visualisation, and changing positions. Some women find that walking or swaying helps relieve the pressure, while others prefer sitting on a birthing ball or kneeling.

If you attended antenatal yoga classes or practised yoga during pregnancy, you may already be familiar with movements that promote relaxation and help with pain management. The combination of antenatal fitness and relaxation during pregnancy can make a significant difference in how you cope with active labour.

Stage Three: Transition Labour

Transition labour is the final phase of the first stage of labour, and it can be the most intense and challenging part. During this phase, your cervix finishes dilating to 10 cm, and your body prepares for the pushing stage. Transition labour is often characterised by strong contractions that are very close together, leaving little time for rest in between.

1. Signs of Transition Labour

Some common signs of transition labour include:

Very strong, frequent contractions lasting 60 to 90 seconds

Pressure in the pelvis and rectum as the baby moves into position for birth

A feeling of being overwhelmed or exhausted, as contractions become more intense

Shaking or trembling, which is normal as your body works hard to complete the dilation process

This is the shortest phase of labour, but it can be the most intense. Many women feel a strong urge to push as the baby’s head descends into the birth canal. Your antenatal clinic and care team will be by your side to support you through this stage, offering encouragement and guidance.

2. Coping with Transition Labour

During transition, it’s important to rely on the techniques you’ve learned in antenatal classes, such as deep breathing, visualisation, and relaxation. Your support team, including your partner, midwife, or doula, can provide reassurance and help you stay focused.

If you attended antenatal yoga or prenatal yoga classes, you might use some of the breathing techniques you practised during this phase to stay centred and calm. Antenatal massage or applying counterpressure to the lower back may also provide some relief.

Once you reach 10 cm dilation, you’ll be ready to start pushing, marking the beginning of the second stage of labour.

Conclusion

Understanding the stages of labour—early, active, and transition—can help you feel more prepared and empowered as you approach birth. With the support of your antenatal care team, including antenatal appointments, antenatal education, and antenatal classes, you’ll have the knowledge and tools you need to manage each stage of labour with confidence.

From recognising the early signs of labour to coping with intense contractions during transition, antenatal support plays a crucial role in guiding you through the labour process. Remember, every labour experience is unique, and it’s essential to trust your body and rely on the knowledge and skills you’ve gained through antenatal care to guide you through this incredible journey.