Maternity

Normal Delivery

The first stage of the normal delivery process involves contractions which help the cervix dilate, soften and stretch so that the baby can be delivered. This stage is the longest and can last up to 13 hours during a woman's first delivery and about 7-8 hours for subsequent deliveries.

In the broadest definition, normal childbirth includes a labour that begins spontaneously, usually between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Normal birth also includes skin-to-skin holding after delivery, and breastfeeding within the first hour after delivery.

Giving birth will be different for every woman, but the main signs that you are starting labour will most likely be strong, regular contractions, and a 'show'. During your pregnancy, a plug of mucus sits in your cervix. A show is when that plug of mucus comes away, indicating that the cervix is starting to open.