Every labour experience is different, but understanding what happens during active labour can ease anxiety, build confidence, and help you feel more in control when the big moment arrives. Active labour is the phase where contractions become stronger, longer, and more consistent, and your cervix dilates from around 6 to 10 centimetres, preparing your body for birth.
Knowledge is one of the greatest comforts during childbirth; when parents know what to expect, they feel more empowered, calm, and ready for the journey ahead. Whether you’re planning to give birth in a hospital, at home, or with a midwife, here are six things you can expect during this intense and remarkable stage of labour.
Contractions Will Intensify
Active labour is often when you realise that this is the “real deal”. Contractions that may have started as mild and irregular during early labour now become stronger, more rhythmic, and closer together, usually lasting 45 to 60 seconds and coming every 3 to 5 minutes.
You might feel pressure in your lower back, abdomen, or thighs, and talking through a contraction may become difficult. Many women describe this phase as both physically and emotionally demanding. Still, it’s also the most productive part of labour, as your body is working hard to bring your baby closer to being born.
Try to focus on your breathing, change positions frequently, or use comfort measures such as warm compresses or a birthing ball. If you’re in a hospital setting, your healthcare team can assist with pain management options, from natural coping techniques to epidurals.
Your Water May Break (If It Hasn’t Already)
At some point during active labour, your amniotic sac (the “bag of waters”) may rupture. This can happen naturally or be done by a healthcare professional to help speed up labour. You might feel a sudden gush of fluid or a slow trickle, both of which are normal.
The amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly pinkish. If it’s green, brown, or has an unusual odour, tell your doctor or midwife immediately, as this could indicate the presence of meconium (your baby’s first stool) or infection.
You’ll Experience Physical and Emotional Shifts
As labour progresses, hormonal changes intensify. Your body releases oxytocin to strengthen contractions and endorphins to help you cope with pain. However, it’s also common to experience emotional highs and lows during this time.
Some women feel empowered and focused, while others may feel anxious, exhausted, or overwhelmed. It’s perfectly normal. Having a supportive partner, doula, or midwife by your side can make a big difference.
You’ll be Monitored Regularly
During active labour, your medical team will keep a close eye on both you and your baby to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. This may include:
- Checking your cervix for dilation and effacement (thinning).
- Monitoring your baby’s heart rate through a foetal monitor or Doppler.
- Tracking the frequency and intensity of your contractions.
- Take your blood pressure and pulse at regular intervals.
If you’re in a hospital, you might be connected to continuous electronic monitoring, especially if you’ve had complications or received an epidural. For those opting for a birth centre or home birth, your midwife will use handheld equipment to perform the same checks.
You May Feel the Urge to Push, But it’s Not Time Yet
As your baby moves lower into the pelvis, you may begin to feel pressure in your rectum and an urge to push, even before your cervix is fully dilated. This is your body’s natural response, but pushing too early can cause swelling of the cervix and delay progress.
Your healthcare provider will guide you on when it’s safe to start pushing. Once you reach full dilation (10 centimetres), the pushing phase, known as transition, begins. This is often the most intense part of labour, but also the shortest.
Expect a Range of Sensations as Birth Nears
As your baby moves through the birth canal, you may experience a burning or stretching sensation known as the ring of fire. This is normal and usually means your baby’s head is crowning. Your doctor or midwife may use gentle pressure or warm compresses to help the tissue stretch and prevent tearing.
You’ll likely feel an overwhelming mix of emotions, from exhaustion to relief to pure joy, as your baby is born. After delivery, the placenta will follow within 5 to 30 minutes, marking the final stage of labour. You may experience mild contractions during this phase as your uterus begins to contract back to its normal size.
Active labour is one of the most physically demanding yet deeply meaningful stages of childbirth. It takes strength and endurance, but it also leads to one of life’s greatest moments: finally meeting your baby. Affinity Health’s Combined Plan supports families through pregnancy with maternity benefits, antenatal and postnatal care, unlimited 24/7 telephonic GP consultations, and access to trusted doctors, midwives, and private hospitals nationwide.
