What are the different stages of labor?

After the gruelling months of pregnancy, child birth is almost a fitting end to the saga. Labour is induced when the baby is ready to be born. Actual labour may be preceded by a series of false contractions that may feel like labour. Although text books usually describe labour as occurring in three distinct stages, each woman may experience it in a way different from others.

•Beginning of labour – characterised by dilation of the cervix to allow the passage of the baby.
•Labour – characterised by the actual pushing motion and the birth of the baby.
•Afterbirth – delivery of the placenta and the after birth.