Decoding Labor: How Long Will Your Birth Journey Be?
Show Notes:
[1:38] Our Reviewer of the Week, irishfire 29, said: "This podcast has been such a great help to me throughout my past two pregnancies. I loved the host's approach to presenting the facts in a balanced, non-fear based way. I often searched through the episodes to find content relating to questions I had (e.g. what to do if I tested positive for GBS, my options for natural induction, and pelvic floor health). So thankful for this podcast! It's the one I recommend to pregnant friends who ask."
[2:56] It’s Normal to Wonder how long your labor is going to be, especially for first-time moms. Unfortunately, you won't know until you go through it.
There Are Averages to Consider:
- First-time moms: average labor onset is around 41 weeks + 1 day.
- Second-time moms: often go into labor closer to 40 weeks or earlier.
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Second (and subsequent) labors also tend to be shorter.
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Remember that "You go into labor when you go into labor. The second that you try to say that it's gonna be a certain way for anything, it's just not going to be.”
[5:00] What do we need to understand about labor averages and what are the stages of labor?
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Averages Are Based on a Bell Curve:
“Everything is done on a bell curve… there are normal variations on either side.” Some labors will be much shorter, some much longer—and that’s normal!
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Understanding the Stages of Labor:
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Early First Stage: Contractions begin, but may be irregular or mild.
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Active First Stage: Labor becomes undeniable—you’re breathing through contractions and can no longer ignore them.
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Transition Phase: Typically the shortest phase of labor
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Second Stage (Pushing): Can last a couple of hours, and is when the baby is born.
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[7:27] What is the average labor time by birth type?
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Labor Averages for First-Time Moms:
- Active Labor: 6-12 hours + 1-3 hours of pushing = 12 to 20 hours on average.
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Labor Averages for Second-Time+ Moms:
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Active labor: 4 to 6 hours + Pushing: 5 to 30 minutes = 6 to 12 hours
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Keep in mind that every labor is different. Prior experiences don’t always predict future ones. Fear, past experiences, and environment can affect labor progression.
[9:34] Cervical dilation progression
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“Dilation doesn’t tell you anything.”
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Moms can go from 4 cm to fully dilated in minutes.
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Repeated exams showing no change can be discouraging, but do not define progress.
[12:05] How baby's position affects labor
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Posterior (sunny-side-up) babies take longer due to bone-on-bone pressure.
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Breech babies may dilate slower: “A soft bum doesn’t open the cervix like a hard head.”
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“Breech is just another variation of normal”—safe vaginal breech birth is possible with a skilled provider (check Breech Without Borders).
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Hand by the head, chin not tucked—can also slow labor or complicate pushing.
[17:29] Importance of movement during labor
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“Movement is huge for labor progression.” Use: Walking, swaying, yoga ball, hands-and-knees, showers.
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Epidurals may limit movement, so use peanut balls, side-switching, upright positions to help baby descend.
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“Mothers move instinctively—don’t stop them.”
[19:58] Creating a comfortable labor environment
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“Labor often starts at night because that’s when we’re relaxed and safe.”
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Laboring longer at home = more comfort, freedom, less intervention.
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Environment affects labor—stress or fear can stall it. Even the drive to the hospital can pause labor temporarily.
[23:05] Being prepared for labor
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Supportive, calm, trusting environments help labor flow. “If someone enters your space and your body tightens up—pay attention.”
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Negative energy (even from a provider) can derail labor progress.
[24:08] Impact of induction/augmentation
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Induction = labor hasn’t started; augmentation = labor has stalled.
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Interventions like Cervidil, Foley bulb, Pitocin can lengthen or intensify labor.
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Pitocin can cause stronger, earlier contractions—often leading to earlier epidurals.
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“If it were me, I’d want to start in the morning—not lose a night of sleep first.”
[26:08] How medical conditions affect labor
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Conditions like gestational diabetes or hypertension might lead to more interventions or monitoring.
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Doesn’t guarantee a longer labor, but something to consider.
[26:46] Key takeaways
- Trust your body. Prepare your mind. Move with your baby. You’ve got this, mama.
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