A normal labour has the following characteristics:

• Spontaneous onset (it begins on its own, without medical intervention)
• Rhythmic and regular uterine contractions
• Vertex presentation (the 'crown' of the baby's head is presented to the opening cervix,
• Vaginal delivery occurs without active intervention in less than 12 hours for a multigravida mother and less than 18 hours for a primigravida (first birth)
• No maternal or fetal complications.

Any type of labour that deviates from these conditions is considered abnormal, and usually requires referral for specialist care.