The scientific explanation?  Your brain begins releasing oxytocin into your blood stream.   The oxytocin stimulates your uterus, beginning contractions.  Then your ovaries release a hormone that relaxes your cervix.  Your baby's weight on the relaxed cervix begins dilation.  Your vagina will release glycogen, a complex carbohydrate that metabolizes to become lactic acid, fighting infection.  Contractions will begin, and you continue on to full labor.

This is the very beginning of your labor.  This is the phase that can take a great deal of time, especially with your first child.  At first, you may not be sure if your labor has started, or if you are experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions.  Time your contractions at this stage.  In the latent phase, they will start to come at regular intervals.  These contractions will be about 30 to 60 seconds, and will occur from five to twenty minutes apart.  You may feel mild tightening, which can progress to the feeling of strong menstrual cramps.  You will probably be able to work through these contractions with relaxation and breathing techniques.  Most contractions will feel like a wave of discomfort spreading across your abdomen. 

You may lose your mucus plug, which sealed your cervix and protected your baby from infection.  This substance can be brown or pink and is usually tinged with blood.  You may lose your mucus plug up to twelve days before labor begins, or during your early to moderate stages of labor.

Some women may feel a leak of amniotic fluid during this stage.  If this occurs, you should go directly to the hospital after speaking with your healthcare provider.  This is also the case if your water breaks.  There is an increased chance of infection when your water has broken or is leaking, requiring you to be admitted to the hospital.

As you begin the latent stage, call your OB/GYN immediately for further instructions.  Once your OB/GYN has determined you are in labor, you will be sent to the hospital.

As your uterine muscles tighten you will feel bands of cramping.  This happens as the uterine muscle becomes depleted of oxygen while the blood vessels are being compressed.  Your cervix is dilating and thinning.  Normally the cervix canal is thick walled, closed and about two centimeters long.  Your cervix needs to dilate to ten centimeters in order for you to deliver your baby.  You will probably dilate about four centimeters during the latent phase, moving from five to ten in the active phase.  As your cervix dilates, your pain will increase.  You may wish to have pain relief at this stage.

If your water has not broken, your OB/GYN may rupture them for you.  This is a painless procedure and only takes a moment.  Some women rupture their membranes at home, while others may have their water break just as the baby is being born.

Labor can last up to 12 hours, if not more if this is your first birth.  With a big however, we say that some women are known to start and finish labor very quickly, not even making it to the hospital - particularly after already having a child.  Every woman's body is different and labor is unique to each. 

This phase is the shortest, sometimes under an hour or even less.  This is the most intense and painful part of your birth. Contractions will be from 60 to 90 seconds and a little over 30 seconds apart.  You will start to feel the urge to push.  Your OB/GYN will tell you when it is alright to push, as you must be fully dilated first.  If you are having a drug-free child birth, this will be your most difficult time.  Using your visualization is most important now, even if you are using a form of pain medication.  You may feel you can't go on anymore and are losing energy.  Remind yourself that your baby is almost here.  Your birthing partner can be your greatest help at this stage, even if it means leaving you alone.  You will be surprised at the strength you have for birthing your beautiful baby.

>>Continue to Stage Two