First Stage of Labor (From the onset of regular contractions occurring every 5–6 minutes until full cervical dilation.) Primiparas (first-time mothers) typically experience slower cervical dilation due to a tighter cervix, taking approximately 11–12 hours. Multiparas (mothers who have given birth before) generally have a more relaxed cervix, allowing for faster dilation, taking about 6–8 hours.
Second Stage (from full cervical dilation to fetal delivery). Primiparas typically require 1–2 hours; multiparas usually complete this stage within 1 hour.
Third Stage (from fetal delivery to placental expulsion). This stage generally takes 5–15 minutes, not exceeding 30 minutes.
Some women, particularly those who are older or experience significant anxiety and fear about childbirth, may disrupt their normal routines before active labor begins. Poor eating and sleeping habits can deplete their energy reserves, leading to fatigue and weakness when active labor starts, thereby prolonging the labor process. If labor exceeds 24 hours, it is termed "prolonged labor." Prolonged labor increases the risk of cesarean delivery and infection.
However, faster delivery isn't always better. Some women experience exceptionally strong contractions and significantly shortened labor, delivering in under 3 hours—a condition called "precipitate labor." Special attention and constant monitoring are required for these cases to prevent complications for both mother and baby.