Contractions during labor vary in length depending on the stage of labor:

• Early (latent) labor: Contractions typically last about 20 to 45 seconds and may be irregular, occurring every 5 to 20 minutes. This phase can last several hours to even days, especially for first-time mothers. Contractions are usually mild to moderate and you can often talk through them

• Active labor: Contractions become stronger, longer, and more regular. They usually last about 45 to 70 seconds and occur every 2 to 5 minutes. This phase often lasts 4 to 8 hours or more. Contractions become more intense and painful, and you may feel pressure in your lower back and rectum

• Transition phase (end of active labor): Contractions can last 60 to 90 seconds and come very close together, often the most intense and painful part of labor, lasting 15 minutes to an hour

In summary, contractions start shorter and farther apart in early labor (about 20-45 seconds), then lengthen and come closer together in active labor (about 45-70 seconds), and peak in length and intensity during the transition phase (up to 90 seconds)