During a first pregnancy, how long is a mother typically in the first stage of labor?

In a first pregnancy, the first stage of labor can often last longer compared to subsequent pregnancies. This stage is characterized by the onset of labor until the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters. For many women experiencing their first labor, this can take an average of around 12 to 18 hours, and in some cases, it can extend even longer. It is common for first-time mothers to have a protracted early labor due to the body adapting to the process of childbirth for the first time.

This duration varies greatly among individuals, and while some might have shorter labors, the maximum duration of around 16 hours is well-supported by clinical observations. Therefore, the choice that indicates 16 hours aligns with the understanding that first-time mothers can expect this first stage to be comparatively longer, making it the most accurate response regarding the median expectations for this stage of labor.