Labours are all different. Some are fast, some are slow. This is normal. But in a healthy labour, there should be progress. Progress means that labour should be getting stronger and the cervix should be opening. The box below summarises the main features of a labour that is progressing normally.

Reassure the mother that contractions get stronger because the labour is going well.

Gradual progress of normal labour

Contractions get longer, stronger and closer together.
The uterus feels harder when you touch it during a contraction (Figure above).
Amount of 'show' increases.
The bag of waters breaks.
The mother burps, sweats and vomits, or her legs shake.
The mother feels she wants to push down through her lower abdomen.