Although every woman will describe her birth experience differently  -- and there are certainly plenty of variables along the way  -- three very specific stages always occur. Knowing what they are and how to recognize them will provide an important reference point in the exciting and challenging hours before your long-awaited baby makes his debut.

The First Stage: Labor
The first stage occurs during most of the time that you are in labor, when your contractions are helping the cervix to efface (thin out) and dilate (open) to form an opening ten centimeters in width, through which the baby can pass. At the same time that the cervix is dilating, the contractions are helping to move the baby deeper into the pelvis. In fact, the first stage has three separate phases, each of which feels very different from the others.

Early phase
What happens: Mild contractions begin at 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. They gradually become more frequent until they are less than five minutes apart, and your cervix has dilated to 4 centimeters. You may discharge some blood-tinged mucus (called "show"), and your water may break.
How you feel: Anywhere from mildly crampy to pretty uncomfortable when a contraction hits. Still, you're excited  -- finally, the moment you've been waiting for!
What to do: Call your partner and any other family or friends you want to notify; put your doctor on alert; keep moving (take a shower or walk, if possible); eat something light (ask your doctor what's okay); and practice your breathing exercises.

Active phase
What happens: Contractions become more intense and progress to about three minutes apart and 45 seconds long, as your cervix dilates from 4 to 8 centimeters. Your mucus plug will dislodge if it hasn't already, and your amniotic sac (your "water") will probably break or be ruptured by your obstetrician.
How you feel: Most women find contractions painful now and may want to request medication.You may also be tired between contractions and need to rest.
What to do: Get to the hospital or birthing center. Remain mobile if possible and use your breathing techniques to help ease you through contractions.

Transition phase
What happens: Contractions occur every two to three minutes and last 60 to 90 seconds as your cervix dilates completely from 8 to 10 centimeters.
How you feel: Contractions are very intense and choppy now. You may feel nauseous, have the chills, sweats, or shakes, and begin to feel the urge to push (but hold off).
What to do: Focus  -- you're almost there! Switch to rapid pant-blow-type breathing and try to just ride the waves. This phase is usually over the fastest.

The Second Stage: Delivery
What happens: Contractions subside to two to five minutes apart, followed by the uncontrollable urge to bear down with each one. The baby moves through the birth canal until the head begins to crown at the opening of your vagina. Your doctor may perform an episiotomy. From there, it's usually just a few pushes and you're done!

How you feel: Exhausted, relieved, excited. If the baby is born quickly, you may not even notice the pain anymore. If pushing takes a while, however, you may start to become discouraged.

What to do: Listen to your partner and delivery team, follow your urge to push, and enjoy the moment when your baby is finally born!

The Third Stage: Afterbirth
What happens: Your uterus continues to contract to expel the placenta (your doctor may also help it out). Your episiotomy or any tearing will be stitched up. The baby is placed on your abdomen for a few minutes, then is examined by the delivery team.

How you feel: Physically drained but giddy with excitement. Eager to see and hold your baby. Your uterus is still contracting, but you'll barely notice it.

What to do: Relax  -- you did it!

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