how long can labor last
Below are some reported range averages for labor: Early labor: 6-12 hours on average. When the cervix dilates (opens up) and effaces (thins out) to position the baby into the birth canal, this begins early labor, to be followed by active labor. Active labor: Often lasts up to 8 hours on average. For some women, active labor may be even longer while it may be much shorter for others (especially those who've had a previous vaginal delivery). Longer labors including both early and active labors: Reported averages are at just over 17 hours.