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On average, the active labor phase will last 3-5 hours with contractions lasting about 45-60 seconds roughly 3-5 minutes apart. It is also during this phase that your water might break. Contractions generally start out mild and may be irregular, but during this phase will become progressively stronger and more frequent.
![contraction timing contraction timing](https://cortneybirthcoach.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/contraction-timing-apps.jpg)
Early labor begins when you go into labor until the cervix is dilated 3 cm.This stage is also the longest and involves three phases. The first stage of labor is defined as the time of the onset of true labor until the cervix is completely dilated to 10 cm.
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To help you feel ready for your baby’s birth, here is a brief explanation of the three stages of labor and what happens during each: Stage 1: Labor However, there are patterns of labor that will hold true for most women. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that every woman’s labor is different and it may be different each time you have a baby. If you’re pregnant with your first baby, or if it’s been a while since your last pregnancy, learning about the stages of labor before your due date can help you know what to expect.