When you are 3 cm dilated, you are generally in early or the beginning of active labor. How much longer labor lasts from 3 cm dilation can vary widely, but here is a typical timeline:
- Early labor (0 to 6 cm) can take several hours, often up to about 12 hours or sometimes longer for first-time mothers.
- Once you reach around 3 to 4 cm and enter active labor, dilation tends to progress at about 1 cm per hour on average.
- From 3 cm to full dilation at 10 cm, it could take approximately 6 to 12 hours or more depending on factors like whether it’s your first pregnancy, baby’s position, and contraction strength.
- After reaching 10 cm dilation, pushing and delivery usually take minutes to a few hours.
Therefore, being 3 cm dilated means labor is underway, but it could still be several hours before delivery, especially if it’s early labor or a first pregnancy. Progression speed varies considerably person to person.