Childbirth is divided into three stages: cervical dilation, expulsion of the baby, and delivery of the afterbirth. Each stage is crucial for a safe delivery, and interventions like administering oxytocin may be necessary if labor stalls.
Stages of Labor
The process of childbirth is commonly divided into three main stages. Stage one is characterized by the cervical dilation, where the cervix thins and dilates to about 10 cm to prepare for the baby's passage. Stage two involves the expulsion of the baby, where contractions continue, and the mother pushes using her abdominal muscles to help deliver the baby. The final stage three is the delivery of the afterbirth, where the placenta and associated fetal membranes are passed after the baby has been born. If labor stops before reaching stage two, synthetic oxytocin or Pitocin may be administered to restart and maintain labor. Each subsequent labor may result in a shorter stage one compared to the previous experiences.