Childbirth usually occurs in three stages: First stage: The time of the onset of true labor until the cervix is completely dilated to 10 cm. Second stage: The period after the cervix is dilated to 10 cm until the baby is delivered. Third stage: Delivery of the placenta. First Stage of Labor: The first stage of labor is the longest and involves three phases: Early Labor Phase –The time of the onset of labor until the cervix is dilated to 3 cm. Active Labor Phase – Continues from 3 cm. until the c