on average how long does first labour last from start to finish
For a first baby, the average length of the first stage of labour is 12 to 14 hours, the second stage 1 to 2 hours and the third stage 5 to 60 minutes. Women expecting a subsequent baby can expect the first stage to last around 6 to 8 hours and the second stage lasting from 5 to 60 minutes.
If you're a first-time mum, active labour may take about eight hours. This is an average, though, and it could be much shorter or longer than that. It's unlikely to last more than 18 hours. Once your cervix has dilated to 10cm, it could take you an hour or two hours of pushing before your baby is born.