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Stages of labor Wikipedia

Wikify|September 2006sources

Stages of labor
STAGE 1- dilatation

The first part of labor is subdivided into 3 sections: the latent, active, and the transition phases.

PHASE 1 ??? Latent
The latent phase is the longest part of labor; it can last up to 12 hours, during which the cervix dilates (opens) from 0-3 cm. Effacement (thinning of the cervix) also occurs. At this phase, you may experience a bloody show (mucous mixed with blood) and menstrual-like cramping (confined to the back and radiating to the front) or rupture of membranes (broken bag of water). There is not much physical discomfort during this time.

PHASE 2???Active
The active labor phase can be determined by cervical dilatation from 4-7 cm. The labor pains are usually stronger, and the contractions are closer together. This is the time when focused breathing and relaxation techniques are needed. You may become fearful that you will not be able to continue. You might get tired, discouraged, and even feel overwhelmed.

PHASE 3???Transition
The transition phase lasts from 7 cm to fully dilated (10 cm). By this point you may be experiencing increasing rectal pressure, and having the feeling of bearing down. Emotionally, you are likely to be very irritable and have the feeling of losing your control over the situation.

STAGE 2 - delivery
it is from full dilatation o the delivery of the baby

Stages of delivery

1. descent

2. internal rotation

3. flexion

4. external rotation

5. expulsion

STAGE 3 - placental delivery

this is from the delivery of the baby to the expulsion of the placenta. You might feel mild contractions, which are necessary for the delivery of the placenta and for the uterus to go back to pre-pregnancy size. It is also the time an episiotomy (vaginal or cervical tear) will be repaired. Be sure to check the placenta for the completeness of the cotyledons of the placenta for retained placental fragments might pose a problem postpartum.

STAGE 4 - recovery

it is from the delivery of the placental to the first hour of recovery or until the mother is of stable vital signs.Shortly after delivery, you will begin a vaginal discharge, dark red in color, called lochia. It usually lasts 2-4 weeks and will change in color and amount. Most women feel a generalized shivering, and may continue to have mild cramps.
Consult your physician if bright red bleeding still occurs after 3-7 days postpartum.

Category:Developmental biology
Category:Pregnancy
Category:Childbirth

Last Modified:   2006-10-01