Cervix Dilation Chart: Stages Of Labor - Healthline

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Parenthood

What to Know About Cervical Dilation

Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Chaunie Brusie — Updated on September 12, 2024

Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
FAQ
Next steps

There are 3 stages of labor. Active labor begins at about 5-6 cm of dilation. You need to be 10 cm dilated to deliver vaginally. After the birth, you’ll deliver the placenta.

The cervix, which is the lowest portion of the uterus, opens during labor through a process called cervical dilation. The process of the cervix opening (dilating) is one way that healthcare staff track how labor is progressing.

During labor, the cervix opens to accommodate the passage of the baby’s head into the vagina, which is around 10 centimeters (cm) dilated for most term babies.

If your cervix is dilated with regular contractions, you’re in active labor and getting closer to delivering your baby.

Infographic showing what the various sizes of cervical dilation look like

Stage 1 of labor

The first stage of labor is divided into two parts: the latent and active phases.

Latent phase of labor

The latent phase of labor is the first stage. It can be thought of more as the “waiting game” stage of labor. If you’re giving birth for the first time, it can take a while to move through the latent phase of labor.

In this stage, contractions aren’t yet strong or regular. The cervix is essentially “warming up,” softening, and shortening as it prepares for the main event. During this time, your cervix will dilate from 0m to 6 cm.

You might consider picturing the uterus as a balloon. Think of the cervix as the neck and opening of the balloon. As you fill that balloon up, the neck of the balloon draws up with the pressure of the air behind it, similar to the cervix.

The cervix is simply the bottom opening of the uterus that draws up and opens wider to make room for the baby.

Active stage of labor

The active stage of labor occurs when the cervix dilates to around 6 cm. Your contractions will also begin to get longer, stronger, and closer together. You may experience contractions that are 3 to 5 minutes apart.

The active stage of labor is characterized more by the rate of regular cervical dilation per hour. Your doctor will expect to see your cervix opening at a more regular rate during this stage.

How long does stage 1 of labor last?

The latent phase of labor typically lasts 14 to 20 hours. The active stage of labor can range from dilating anywhere from 1.2 cm per hour up to 1.5 cm per hour.

The first stage of labor ends when your cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm and fully effaced (thinned out).

Stage 2 of labor

The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters. However, being fully dilated does not mean that the baby is necessarily going to be delivered immediately.

You may reach full cervical dilation, but the baby may still need time to move down the birth canal fully to be ready for birth.

How long does stage 2 of labor last?

At this stage, the time it takes for the baby to come out varies widely, ranging from minutes to hours. Many factors, such as giving birth for the first time and your birthing environment, can influence the duration of the second stage.

Epidurals reduce the urge to push and may interfere with your ability to push, which may also prolong the second stage.

Pushing usually only occurs during contractions, with rest encouraged between them. At this point, the ideal frequency of contractions will be about 2 to 3 minutes apart, lasting 60 to 90 seconds.

You can also push spontaneously, which can help you preserve energy and decrease the risk of long-term pelvic floor injury. Your birthing position and pushing technique typically depend on your comfort. You should also be encouraged to change positions, squat with support, and rest between contractions.

According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the end of the second stage should be focused on the health and well-being of the pregnant person and how the baby is progressing, not the duration. Solely focusing on how long it takes can potentially lead to birthing interventions, such as forceps or cesarean delivery.

The second stage ends with the birth of the baby.

Stage 3 of labor

The third stage of labor is perhaps the most forgotten phase. Even though the baby has been born, the placenta still needs to be delivered.

Your body grows an entirely new and separate organ with the placenta. Once the baby is born, the placenta no longer has a function, so your body must expel it.

The placenta is delivered the same way as the baby, through contractions. They may not feel as strong as the contractions that are needed to expel the baby.

How long does stage 3 of labor last?

The third stage of labor can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. Your doctor may give you an oxytocin injection to encourage contractions, which will shorten the duration of delivering the placenta. This can help reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging or the need for blood transfusions.

You can also try to increase your oxytocin naturally with skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, or chestfeeding immediately after giving birth.

Postpartum recovery

Once the baby is born and the placenta is delivered, the uterus contracts and the body recovers. This is often referred to as the fourth stage of labor.

Frequently asked questions

Is cervical dilation painful?

Experiencing pain during dilation can differ from person to person. Some may feel intense pain during labor, while others may express mild discomfort.

How long after cervix dilation does labor start?

It can range from just a few minutes to nearly 4 hours. Timing can vary based on factors, such as:

giving birth for the first time
sense of comfortability and safety during labor
using anesthetics, such as an epidural injection
health complications in the birthing person or baby

How much should you be dilated before going to the hospital?

Research from 2023 recommends that you go to the hospital during active labor. Your contractions will likely occur every 3 to minutes, and cervical dilation should be about 6cm.

It’s suggested that going to the hospital during active labor can potentially decrease the use of epidurals, oxytocin injections, and cesarean birth.

Next steps

After the hard work of moving through the stages of labor is finished, a woman’s body will need time to return to its nonpregnant state. On average, it takes about 6 weeks for the uterus to return to its nonpregnant size and for the cervix to return to its prepregnancy state.

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How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Approaches to limit intervention during labor and birth. (2019).https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2019/02/approaches-to-limit-intervention-during-labor-and-birth
How to tell when labor begins. (n.d.).https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/labor-delivery-and-postpartum-care/how-to-tell-when-labor-begins
Information on the fourth stage of labour. (2013).https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/labour-and-birth/stages-labour/information-fourth-stage-labour
Safe prevention of the primary cesarean delivery. (2014).http://www.ajog.org/pb/assets/raw/Health%20Advance/journals/ymob/YMOB_Consensus.pdf

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Medically reviewed by Stacy A. Henigsman, DO — Written by Chaunie Brusie — Updated on September 12, 2024

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