The Stages Of Labor Labor and delivery are different for every woman.
Some labors progress more quickly than others.
Some are textbook cases that last 8 to 14 hours. This is usually the longest and least intense stage of labor when the cervix dilates from 0 to 4 centimeters. Contractions may feel like a backache, menstrual-like cramps or pressure. They are 15 to 20 minutes apart and last 60 to 90 seconds. You may experience a small amount of bloody show during this phase and have indigestion or diarrhea.