Expulsion of the Placenta

Question 1

When does the final stage of birth, the expulsion of the placenta, take place?

Answer 1

• about 10 to 20 minutes after delivery

Question 2

What must first happen in order for the expulsion of the placenta to take place?

Answer 2

• the placenta with the remaining bit of the umbilical cord comes away from the uterine wall

Question 3

How does the expulsion of the placenta take place?

Answer 3

• uterine contractions force it out as the afterbirth