For women giving birth for the first time, labour will usually last between 12 and 24 hours, with an average of 14 hours. However, for women who have given birth before, labour usually averages only 6 hours.

Birth begins when a birth hormone (pitocin) is secreted by the pituitary gland, and the amniotic sac breaks, releasing the fluid that has protected the child from shocks and traumas. The occasional contractions of the uterus that are felt throughout pregnancy increase in frequency and intensity, and the 'labour' pains have begun.

Stages of Labour and Childbirth

First stage of labour is the stage of Dilatation. The uterine contractions last for about 45 seconds to one minute, beginning with a gradual tightening of the womb that comes to a strong peak, then slowly subsides. This stage may last 6-16 hours, depending on the size and position of the baby, the size of the mother’s pelvic area, and the behavior of the uterus. At this time the lengthwise muscles of the uterus are involuntarily working to pull open the circular muscles of the cervix. As the