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Labor is your body preparing to deliver your baby. Several things happen:

Cervical thinning and dilation

When labor begins, your cervix starts to soften and open. This is the area between your uterus and vagina.
Dilation is measured in centimeters and effacement (thinning) is a percentage (0-100%).
The cervix will open to 10 centimeters. This allows your baby to be born.

Descent of the baby

Your baby moves down through the pelvis as they get into position for birth.
As this happens, you may feel “lighter” up by your ribs as it becomes easier to breathe. At the same time, you will likely feel more pressure in your bottom.
In this process, the baby’s head puts pressure on your cervix to help with thinning and dilation.

Uterine contractions

Your uterus starts contracting when you go into labor. At first these contractions might be irregular and feel like cramps. These can be called Braxton Hicks. During labor, contractions become regular, are closer together, and get stronger.
Contractions push your baby down toward the vagina (birth canal).
They're measured by how often they happen and how strong they are.
Contractions can hurt a lot. Have a plan for pain management and think about comfort measures you would like to use.

Rupture of membranes

This is when your “water breaks”. The “water” is a sac of amniotic fluid around your baby.
The amniotic sac protects your baby during pregnancy and acts like a cushion for your body during labor.
Usually your water breaks on its own right before or during labor. Sometimes your doctor or midwife will break your water to help labor progress.

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Learning what’s happening in your body can help you prepare for birth. As you enter the first stage of labor, remember you’re getting closer to meeting your baby!

What happens in my body during labor?

How long will I be in labor?

Labor comfort measures

Managing labor pain

Sometimes it's helpful to have a friendly face