Stages of normal labour

Question 1

Stages of labour

Answer 1

1. First stage = period from commencement (progressively more painful and frequent contractions with progressive effacement and dilatation of the cervix) to full cervical dilatation
2. Second stage = time from full cervical dilatation until the baby is born
3. Third stage = duration from delivery of baby to delivery of placenta and membranes

Question 2

1st stage of labour

Answer 2

1. Latent phase = period taken for cervix to completely efface and dilate up to 3cm
2. Active phase = from 3cm to full dilatation

Question 3

2nd stage of labour

Answer 3

1. Passive phase = presenting part descends through the pelvis
2. Active phase = maternal effort drives the presenting part through the birth canal

Question 4

3rd stage of labour (3 x 2)

Answer 4

Physiological mx

• Max 1hr
  1. Placenta delivered by maternal effort alone
  2. No oxytocin or oxytocin/ergometrine
  3. Cord allowed to stop pulsating before clamped and cut)

Active mx

1. Uterotonics (oxytocin or oxytocin/ergometrine)
2. Clamping and cutting of the cord before it sops pulsating
3. Controlled cord traction