U3: Stages of Labor

Question 1

Stage 1: Labor (longest stage: 12-20 hrs)—> Early Labor Events

Answer 1

• Early Labor Events:
  
  • about 6-12 hrs
  • Effacement
  • Dilation
  • Presentation of baby
    —> Part of baby pressing on cervix
  • May lose mucus plug
  • Rupturing of Membrane (water breaks)

Question 2

Stage 1: Labor—> Active Labor Events

Answer 2

• Approx. 4-8 hrs
• Contractions become stronger and occur closer together
• Transition phase begins
  -> Most difficult but shortest (15 mins-1hr)
• May feel urge to push
• Stage ends when cervix is fully dilated (10cm)

Question 3

Stage 2: Pushing and Delivery (approx. 20-2 hrs)

Answer 3

• Cervix is dilated fully
• Crowning —> babies head begins to show
• Pushing hard as healthcare provider guides baby out of birth canal
• Baby is born and umbilical cord is cut

Question 4

Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta (approx 20-30 min)

Answer 4

• Contractions separate placenta from uterus and begins 5-10 minutes after baby is delivered
• Takes about 20-30 minutes for placenta to exit vagina
• Episiotomy is repaired