What is the average duration of the first stage of labor for women who have given birth before?

The average duration of the first stage of labor for women who have previously given birth typically falls within the range of 6-8 hours. This stage, known as the latent phase, involves the onset of regular contractions and gradual dilation of the cervix. For women who have already experienced childbirth, this stage tends to progress more quickly compared to first-time mothers, who may spend considerably longer in early labor.

In the context of the other choices, 12 hours is generally considered too long for experienced mothers. The 2-4 hours duration tends to reflect the very active and accelerated phases of labor rather than the entire first stage. Lastly, while 8-10 hours could be accurate for some cases, it is less representative of the average duration for women who have given birth before, making 6-8 hours the more accurate answer.