DESCRIPTION

Normally, labor and subsequent delivery occurs from 38 to 41 weeks after the start of the last normal menstrual period. If labor occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is considered premature, and after 42 weeks, is termed post-mature (post-term) labor. Labor can be divided into three stages (plus a fourth stage that begins immediately after the placenta is delivered):

• The first stage is from the earliest contractions up to the time of the birth. It is generally the longest and hardest and involves the effacement (thinning out) and dilation (opening up) of the cervix to 10 centimeters (5 finger-breadths) or slightly more in a large baby or a breech birth. Stage one has 3 phases.



• The second stage of labor involves the baby's birth and lasts an average of about 1 to 3 hours.



• The third stage of labor consists of the expulsion of the afterbirth (placenta) and takes about 30 minutes, sometimes a little longer.



• There is also considered a fourth stage, which consists of the immediate postpartum phase in which the uterus continues to contract into a hard, grapefruit sized ball to prevent excessive bleeding.



• Initiating Labor



• Stage 1 of Labor
• Phase 1 (Early or Latent Phase)
• Phase 2 (Active Phase)
• Phase 3 (Transitional Phase)


• Stage 2 of Labor



• Stage 3 of Labor & Birth



• Stage 4 of Labor & Birth

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NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...

You or a family member has questions or concerns about labor and delivery.

You or a family member has signs/symptoms of labor and you need to contact your birth attendants.

If you experience any abnormal symptoms before or during labor that may require emergency treatment (such as bleeding or abnormal acute pain). If you have an emergency, call 911 for assistance and call the hospital to let them know you are en-route and explain your symptoms so they can begin making arrangements for your arrival.

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PREGNANCY RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information Index

MoonDragon's Pediatric Information Index

MoonDragon's Parenting Information Index

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information Index

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