Labor is a physiologic process during which the fetus, membranes, umbilical cord, and placenta are expelled from the uterus. Labor is described in three stages, and together these stages complete the delivery and the passage of the placenta.
1. First Stage
✍ Begins with regular uterine contractions and ends with complete cervical dilatation at 10 cm
✍ The first stage is divided into three phases: latent, active, and deceleration.
✍ The latent phase begins with mild, irregular uterine contractions that soften and shorten the cervix
✍ Contractions become progressively more rhythmic and stronger
✍ The active phase usually begins at about 3-4 cm of cervical dilation and is characterized by rapid cervical dilation and descent of the presenting fetal part
✍ Finally, there is the deceleration phase, during which the cervical dilation continues, but at a slower pace, until full dilation. In some women the deceleration phase is not really noticeable, blending into the active phase. This is also a phase of more rapid descent, when the baby is passing lower into the pelvis and deeper into the birth canal.
2. Second Stage
✍ Begins with complete cervical dilatation and ends with the delivery of the fetus
✍ In nulliparous women, the second stage should be considered prolonged if it exceeds 3 hours if regional anesthesia is administered or 2 hours in the absence of regional anesthesia
✍ In multiparous women, the second stage should be considered prolonged if it exceeds 2 hours with regional anesthesia or 1 hour without it.
3. Third Stage
✍ The period between the delivery of the fetus and the delivery of the placenta and fetal membranes
✍ Delivery of the placenta often takes less than 10 minutes, but the third stage may last as long as 30 minutes
✍ Expectant management involves spontaneous delivery of the placenta
✍ The third stage of labor is considered prolonged after 30 minutes, and active intervention is commonly considered.
✍ Active management often involves prophylactic administration of oxytocin or other uterotonics (prostaglandins or ergot alkaloids), cord clamping/cutting, and controlled traction of the umbilical cord.
1. First Stage
✍ Begins with regular uterine contractions and ends with complete cervical dilatation at 10 cm
✍ The first stage is divided into three phases: latent, active, and deceleration.
✍ The latent phase begins with mild, irregular uterine contractions that soften and shorten the cervix
✍ Contractions become progressively more rhythmic and stronger
✍ The active phase usually begins at about 3-4 cm of cervical dilation and is characterized by rapid cervical dilation and descent of the presenting fetal part
✍ Finally, there is the deceleration phase, during which the cervical dilation continues, but at a slower pace, until full dilation. In some women the deceleration phase is not really noticeable, blending into the active phase. This is also a phase of more rapid descent, when the baby is passing lower into the pelvis and deeper into the birth canal.
Related Article :
- Antepartum Haemorrhage (APH)
2. Second Stage
✍ Begins with complete cervical dilatation and ends with the delivery of the fetus
✍ In nulliparous women, the second stage should be considered prolonged if it exceeds 3 hours if regional anesthesia is administered or 2 hours in the absence of regional anesthesia
✍ In multiparous women, the second stage should be considered prolonged if it exceeds 2 hours with regional anesthesia or 1 hour without it.
3. Third Stage
✍ The period between the delivery of the fetus and the delivery of the placenta and fetal membranes
✍ Delivery of the placenta often takes less than 10 minutes, but the third stage may last as long as 30 minutes
✍ Expectant management involves spontaneous delivery of the placenta
✍ The third stage of labor is considered prolonged after 30 minutes, and active intervention is commonly considered.
✍ Active management often involves prophylactic administration of oxytocin or other uterotonics (prostaglandins or ergot alkaloids), cord clamping/cutting, and controlled traction of the umbilical cord.
Related Article :
- Antepartum Haemorrhage (APH)
You can also Watch this Video "Vaginal Childbirth....."
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