Early stages of labor can last many hours. During this time, the mother's contractions open the cervix, and the baby begins to move down the birth canal. Once the cervix dilates fully, the mother usually feels the uncontrollable urge to push, and the baby's head begins to appear at the vaginal opening. If this is the woman's first baby, the pushing may last long enough for medical help to arrive. If it is her second or later baby, the head may deliver very quickly.

Babies are usually born head first, facing down. After the baby is delivered, the placenta detaches from the uterus and is also expelled.

Rupture of the amniotic sac may indicate that the baby will be coming soon. A large amount of clear fluid coming from the vaginal opening all at once or in a trickle suggests amniotic sac rupture (water breaking). The amniotic fluid may be stained green or may contain white or green particles.

• Rapid delivery is most common in women who have:
  • Given birth quickly before
  • Given birth several times before
  • Gone into labor prematurely
• Premature delivery can also be brought on by illness or injury