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9. Stage One: Active Phase

When the cervix dilates between four and eight centimeters, the contractions are usually about three minutes apart and the labor starts to move much more quickly. This phase usually continues anywhere from four to eight hours. For first-time mothers, it generally lasts about five hours on average. The woman remains in the active phase until she is dilated to eight or nine centimeters.

cervix dilates active phase chameleonseye / Getty Images

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