For a first birth, the process usually lasts around 12-14 hours, once regular contractions are established. Subsequent labours and deliveries are usually shorter.

The duration of the first stage of labour (opening of the cervix) increases with maternal age and body mass index.

The second stage of labour (pushing out the baby) takes 1-2 hours for a first baby and as little as 15 minutes for subsequent deliveries.

The third stage of labour is the delivery of the placenta.This section of the website outlines what to do if you are in labour, what to bring to the hospital with you, and describes various types of pain management.