During the second stage, the woman becomes actively involved by pushing the baby through the birth canal to the outside world. The second stage is shorter than the first stage, and may take between 30 minutes to two hours for a woman's first pregnancy. This stage usually lasts just a few minutes and involves the passage of the placenta out of the uterus and through the vagina. Each labor experience is different and the amount of time in each stage will vary. However, labor in a first pregnancy usually lasts about 12 to 14 hours.
Labor is generally shorter for subsequent pregnancies.
The reasons for induction vary. Relaxation techniques to use during labor are often taught in childbirth classes. Especially in natural childbirth, which does not use medications to relieve pain, relaxation and breathing techniques can help a woman feel more in control and able to manage her pain. When a woman arrives at the hospital in labor, the medical staff may perform a physical examination of the abdomen to determine the size and position of the fetus, and an examination of the cervix. Intravenous fluids are sometimes given during labor to prevent dehydration.