First stage: Thinning and opening of the cervix

Opening of the cervix The first stage of labour is the period when your contractions start to be regular. These contractions allow the cervix to thin (efface) and open completely (dilate), until it is 10 centimetres wide.

Holding your newborn Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Development of the fetus Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Choking Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Loss of consciousness Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Cervix Dilation

Development of the fetus Institut national de santé publique du Québec

When the unexpected happens Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Discouraged and thinking of weaning your baby? Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Recognizing the start of labour Institut national de santé publique du Québec

Cervix Dilation