There are four stages of labor.
First stage: Thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation) of the cervix
During the first stage of labor, contractions help your cervix to thin and begin to open. This is called effacement and dilation. In this stage, your cervix will widen to about 10 centimeters.
Second stage: Your baby moves through the birth canal
The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely dilated and closes after the birth of your baby. Contractions push the baby down the birth canal, and you may feel intense pressure, like an urge to have a bowel movement.
Third stage: Afterbirth
The contraction of your uterus continues even after the birth of your child to push out the placenta. The takes about 5 to 15 minutes for the placenta to deliver after the baby arrives.
Fourth Stage: Recovery
It is highly recommended for you to start nursing after you have delivered your baby as early nursing may help you to decrease the amount of bleeding.