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🩺 Health · D-Day

⏳ Understanding Labour Stages and Cervical Dilation

Labour progression is all about how the cervix dilates. Getting your head around the mechanics means you can be the best possible support crew for your partner.

The Main Stages

  • Early labour (latent phase): Super variable duration (anywhere from 3 hours to 3 days). Contractions soften and prep the cervix.
  • The start of labour: Officially underway from about 3 cm dilation.
  • The active phase: Kicks in properly from 5 cm dilation. From here on, progress is usually a matter of hours.

3 Game-Changers to Help the Cervix Open

  1. 1. Effective contractions

    Keep her upright and moving around as much as possible to keep labour progressing.

  2. 2. A well-positioned baby

    Baby's head needs to bear down on the cervix (ideally with their chin tucked neatly against their chest).

  3. 3. A relaxed cervix (The power of chilling out)

    Mum staying relaxed is vital—tension works against the cervix. Top breathing trick: Breathe in, then exhale really slowly as if blowing through a straw right from the start of each contraction.

Classic mistakes

  • ❌ Lying flat on her back too early Gravity is your best wingman here—it helps baby drop down and apply natural pressure on the cervix.

This guide doesn't replace medical advice. When in doubt, call your doctor or your local emergency number.