Hello,

There are three distinct stages of labour:

• First stage – dilation of the cervix (https://healthengine.com.au/info/medical-glossary/cervix) .
  • Latent phase (0-4 cm dilated)
  • Active phase (4-10cm dilated)
• Second stage – fully dilated till expulsion of the foetus
  • Descent of the head
  • Pushing phase
• Third stage – following expulsion of the foetus till the placenta and membranes are delivered.

The entire process of labour and vaginal birth takes an average of 13hrs in women giving birth for the first time, and 8 hours in women who have given birth before. However, the exact duration varies a great deal from one woman to another. 18 hours of first stage is considered ‘prolonged’, and 1.5-2 hours of second stage is considered ‘prolonged’.

Hope this helps you!!!