A successor may refer to: Someone who, or something which succeeds or comes after (see success and succession) Successor (horse), an American Thoroughbred racehorse. Successor was the working name for the class of British ballistic missile submarines, since renamed the Dreadnought-class.
How long it lasts: Early labor is unpredictable. For first-time moms, the average length of early labor is six to 12 hours. It's often much shorter for subsequent deliveries. What you can do: Until your contractions increase in frequency and intensity, it's up to you.
What to expect: 1  Active labor will last about 3-5 hours. 2  Your cervix will dilate from 4cm to 7cm. 3  Contractions during this phase will last about 45-60 seconds with 3-5 minutes rest in between. 4  Contractions will feel stronger and longer. 5  This is usually the time to head to the hospital or birth center.