Stages of Labor & Cervical Changes | Nursing

Summary

Learn about the stages of labor, effacement, and dilation. The video uses flashcards to explain latent, active, and transition phases during the first stage of labor, as well as the second, third, and fourth stages. A visual aid clarifies the difference between effacement (thinning of the cervix) and dilation (opening of the cervix).

Highlights

Stages of Labor00:00:07

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).

First Stage: Latent Phase00:00:27

Mom is excited however pain is not too extreme as the cervix dilates from zero to three centimeters.

First Stage: Active Phase00:00:41

The cervix dilates from four to seven centimeters. Contractions become stronger, and the mother gets apprehensive.

First Stage: Transition Phase00:00:53

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, Third, and Fourth Stages00:01:16

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 vs. Dilation00:01:48

Effacement is the thinning of the cervix, measured in percentages from zero to 100%. Dilation is the opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters.