Every baby born naturally goes through these three incredible stages of labor.

Every baby born naturally goes through these three incredible stages of labor. But what actually happens inside a mother's body? Let's watch it from the inside. Stage 1 begins. When regular contractions gently pull and stretch the cervix, it slowly opens from completely closed to around 10 cm, creating enough space for the baby to pass through. As contractions become stronger and closer together, the baby gradually moves lower into the pelvis. Hormones help coordinate the muscles of the uterus, pushing the baby downward with each contraction. Stage 2 begins once the cervix is fully dilated. With each powerful contraction and the mother's pushing, the baby's head slowly crowns before the shoulders and body are delivered. After the baby is born, labor isn't quite finished. The uterus continues contracting to separate and deliver the placenta, which provided oxygen and nutrients throughout pregnancy. These contractions also help reduce bleeding by squeezing the blood vessels where the placenta was attached, protecting the mother after delivery. Within hours, the uterus begins shrinking back toward its normal size, starting the body's remarkable recovery process. Which stage surprised you the most?