03/04/2025
📌Stages of labor
First Stage (Labor):
Effacement and Dilation:
This stage begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions and ends with complete cervical dilation (10 cm).
Cervical Changes:
Effacement: The cervix thins and shortens, allowing the baby to move down into the birth canal.
Dilation: The cervix gradually opens, measured in centimeters, from a closed state (0 cm) to fully dilated (10 cm).
Phases of the First Stage:
Latent Phase: Characterized by mild, irregular contractions and initial cervical changes.
Active Phase: Contractions become stronger, more frequent, and regular, and the cervix dilates more rapidly.
Transition Phase: The cervix dilates to 10 cm, and contractions are at their peak intensity, leading to a strong urge to push.
Second Stage (Delivery of the Baby):
This stage begins with complete cervical dilation and ends with the birth of the baby.
During this stage, the mother will feel the urge to push, and contractions continue to help push the baby down through the birth canal.
Third Stage (Delivery of the Placenta):
This stage begins after the baby is delivered and ends with the expulsion of the placenta (afterbirth).