Labor is a natural process. Here's what to expect during the three stages of labor and birth — and what you can do to promote comfort. There are three stages of labor. The first stage is when your cervix is opening and your baby is moving down the birth canal. The second stage is when your baby is being born and the third stage is when the placenta is delivered. Understanding the stages of birth can help you know what is happening during your labor. Timecodes: 0:00 (1) First Stage of Labor - Dilation of Cervix 0:18 0-5 cm 0:49 Mucus Plug 0:58 What to do? 1:41 5-8 cm 2:08 8-10 cm 2:43 (2) Second Stage of Labor - Time to Push! 3:23 Birth 3:51 (3) Third Stage of Labor - Placenta Stages of Labor | Normal Vaginal Birth Images/videos used under license from Shutterstock.com Collaboration with itstartswithbirth.com. Itstartswithbirth.com is a unique childbirth education platform that offers prenatal courses to soon-to-be parents. Sign up for their prenatal course to learn more about what to expect during your pregnancy, labor, and birth.