Dilation phase

During the dilation phase, the uterine wall pulls the cervix upwards, thereby shortening it until it disappears completely. At the same time, the cervix opens until is 8-10 centimetres wide.

Firstly, early contractions will set in. These occur at intervals of more than 5 minutes. The contractions are relatively brief (30-40 seconds) and are moderately painful. You still have no trouble talking with ease during this stage.

In the active phase, the cervix dilates from 3-4 cm to 8-10 cm. The contractions are now more painful. It is barely possible to talk now, as you need to concentrate on breathing. The contractions usually come every 3-4 minutes and last around 60-90 seconds.

Particularly if this is your first child, the dilation phase is often strenuous and represents the longest part of the birth process. This is the time when you can still decide to opt for an epidural.