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First stage of labour

The first stage of labour is usually the longest. If you've not been in labour before, it could last from 6-20 hours, while women who've already had one or more babies usually have a shorter first stage (2-10 hours). Everyone is different though, and your labour may be longer or shorter than the average. Read NCT's range of impartial information below.

Stages

Topics

First stage

Hormones in labour
Hormones have an important role to play in labour and birth. Here we discuss what changes may affect you.
What is a straightforward birth?
Straightforward birth, sometimes called normal or natural birth, means giving birth vaginally, without any procedures or interventions, such as an epidural or the use of forceps,...
Early signs of labour
Here we look at the early signs of labour, such as Braxton Hicks contractions, preparing for birth and when to call your midwife.
Encouraging a straightforward birth: what to do in pregnancy
You may think that whether or not you have a straightforward birth is just luck of the draw. But this isn’t necessarily the case and there are lots of things you can do in...
Birth support
Some women like to have a birthing partner present with them when they give birth. A birth partner can support and encourage you during labour.
Arranging to use a birth pool
What do you need to consider when hiring a birthing pool for a water birth or labour at home or in hospital?
Tips for birth partners
If you are going to be supporting someone through birth, NCT can offer a few tips to help you to understand how you can best help your partner.
Who can be a birth partner?
Being a birth partner is a fantastic way to be supportive to your partner, friend or daughter. Read about the challenges and rewards of helping in this life changing event.
Choosing where to have your baby
Where you have your baby can affect many aspects of the birth, from who you have with you to the clinical outcome for the baby. You have a right to choose and it makes sense to...
First stage of labour
What happens in the first stage of labour? Here we look what happens with your contractions and your cervix as well as what you and your partner might be feeling.
Good positions for your baby before birth
Giving birth can be easier if your baby is in a particular position in your pelvis: head pointing down and facing your back. This is known as the ‘occiput anterior’ position.
FAQs on home birth
Here we answer some common questions about home birth to help you make an informed decision.