During the active stage of labor, your cervix dilates from around 6 cm to the full 10 cm. (The last part of active labor, when the cervix dilates fully from 8 to 10 cm, is called transition.) This process takes about 5 to 7 hours if you're a first-time mom, or between 2 and 4 hours if you've had a baby before.
The active phase
Your cervix is also dilated around 4 to 7 centimeters. Someone who has never given birth before may be in active labor for around three to six hours; a person who's done it before might take one to three hours.
Transition typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours as your cervix fully dilates from 8 cm to 10 cm. Contractions will last roughly 60-90 seconds with only 30 seconds to 2 minutes between.
Transition phase
It usually takes from 15 minutes to an hour for the cervix to dilate from 8 to 10 centimeters. Contractions are 2 to 3 minutes apart and last about 1 minute. You may feel pressure on your rectum and your backache may feel worse.
“There isn't a minimum cervical dilation. I have done epidurals at one centimeter and when a woman is fully dilated at 10 centimeters,” Dr. McGuire says. A common concern is that having an epidural early in labor slows down labor and delivery.
Once you reach about 6 cm dilation, you're in the active stage of labor. At this point your contractions become very regular, longer lasting, and more painful. You probably won't know when you're precisely 6 cm dilated.
In order for your cervix to dilate, you need strong uterine contractions. Ellson explains that the best way to get these going is by supporting the natural release of oxytocin in the body. Here are some ways to do this: Move your body.
"Lying on your side, standing, sitting, walking, rocking—anything that keeps you active can help decrease pain and speed up labor," says Dawley. Other benefits of upright labor positions include: Reduced need for medication. Help in dilating your cervix and widening your pelvic opening.
Once the cervix has reached 10 cm, it is time to push the baby out. Contractions continue but also produce a strong urge to push. This urge might feel like an intense need to have a bowel movement. This stage can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
Women may feel a small pressure from cervical dilation and effacement, says Brichter. However, cervix dilation pain is extremely rare.
Early dilation often feels like menstrual cramps as the cervical changes cause pain and cramping noticed in the lower part of the uterus. It is the same sensation and location as menstrual cramps. Active labor tends to be felt in a larger area but can be a similar sensation as cramping (with more intensity of course).
The first stage of labor is the longest stage. For first-time moms, it can last from 12 to 19 hours. It may be shorter (about 14 hours) for moms who've already had children. It's when contractions become strong and regular enough to cause your cervix to dilate (open) and thin out (efface).
Realistically, how long does it take to dilate from 4cm to 10cm? According to the UK's NICE guidance, active labour with a first baby is likely to last from 8-12 hours, and is unlikely to last more than 18 hours.
You'll probably dilate and efface more rapidly because your cervix is less rigid after having your first baby. This more pliant tissue will also make it easier for your newest little one to make his exit in the next stage.
Try being upright
One of your biggest allies is gravity. When you are upright—standing, sitting or kneeling—the weight of your baby presses on the cervix, encouraging it to open. An upright position may also help get your baby into the best position for birth.
The nurse will communicate with your doctor or midwife. Active labor begins once you are dilated to 6cm. You may be sent home if you are less than 6cm and you and your baby are healthy.
Active labor. During active labor, your cervix will dilate from 6 centimeters (cm) to 10 cm. Your contractions will become stronger, closer together and regular.
Active labor. During active labor, your cervix will dilate from 6 centimeters (cm) to 10 cm. Your contractions will become stronger, closer together and regular.
Doctors have to wait until the cervix is at least 4 centimeters dilated before doing an epidural. Otherwise, the epidural will slow the process down too much. However, once the cervix becomes fully dilated it is too late for an epidural to be given.
An epidural can generally be performed at any stage; it is never too late. This is, however, not the case if baby's head is crowning (within the birth canal).
Most of the time, you can walk within a half hour or so of your epidural injection. However, you will not necessarily be walking normally at this point. Most clinics and hospitals monitor you for 15 minutes to an hour after an epidural injection. During this time, they will likely ask how you feel.