Summary
Highlights
An overview of the four stages of labor: stage one (latent, active, and transition phases), stage two (full dilation until birth), stage three (birth until the placenta is delivered), and stage four (placenta delivery until stabilization).
Mom is excited however pain is not too extreme as the cervix dilates from zero to three centimeters.
The cervix dilates from four to seven centimeters. Contractions become stronger, and the mother gets apprehensive.
The cervix dilates from eight to ten centimeters. The mother feels a strong urge to push or have a bowel movement. Emotional support and reassurance are important.
Second stage is defined as from full dilation until the baby is born. Third stage is from the baby's birth until the placenta delivery. Fourth stage is from the placenta delivery until the mother is stabilized.
Effacement is the thinning of the cervix, measured in percentages from zero to 100%. Dilation is the opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters.