Prior to 5 centimeters a woman is considered in the early stages of
labor. From 5 centimeters to 7 centimeters is the beginning of active
labor. From 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters a woman is in transition and near to having her baby.
Many practitioners will expect you to dilate to a designated chart which defines their standard of care. So regardless of how well your labor may be going, an impatient practitioner will expect you to dilate one centimeter per hour.