The period of labor can be divided into three stages.<\/p>\n
a. First Stage<\/strong>: Dilation. During this stage, the cervix dilates at a rate of one to\u00a0two centimeters per hour until dilation is complete at 10 centimeters (four inches).\u00a0Effacement (shortening of the cervix) takes place in this stage. The uterus contracts\u00a0regularly, and the amniotic sac ruptures. If the sac does not rupture by itself, it is\u00a0ruptured artificially.<\/p>\n b. Second Stage: Expulsion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n (1) This stage is the period of time from complete dilation of the cervix\u00a0through the delivery of the baby. During this stage, contractions take place every two to\u00a0three minutes. The contractions last about 60 seconds and are more intense than in the\u00a0first stage. The mother bears down involuntarily. She may bear down when she has\u00a0the urge. There is increased pressure on the mother’s rectum which causes her to feel\u00a0as though she has to have a bowel movement.<\/p>\n NOTE: Bearing down during the first stage of labor is of no help and will tire the\u00a0mother. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n (2) If you find a woman in the second stage of labor, observe her condition\u00a0and ask her these questions:<\/p>\n (a) Is this her first baby?<\/p>\n (b) How long has she been in labor?<\/p>\n (c) What are her contractions like? (Frequency? Duration?\u00a0Intensity?)<\/p>\n (d) Is the bearing down involuntary?<\/p>\n (e) Does she feel as if she has to have a bowel movement?<\/p>\n (f) Can you observe the baby’s head crowning?<\/p>\n CAUTION: If you observe the baby’s head crowning, DO NOT touch the vagina.\u00a0Touching the vagina could cause infection.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n (3) If the woman’s answers and your observations indicate that she is in the\u00a0second stage of labor, prepare to assist in delivery. There is not enough time to get her\u00a0to a hospital.<\/p>\n (4) The second stage of labor ends with the delivery of the baby.<\/p>\n c. Third Stage: Placental Stage<\/strong>. This stage of labor covers the time period\u00a0after delivery of the baby when the placenta (the afterbirth) is expelled.<\/p>\n In this stage,\u00a0the uterus contracts, causing the placenta to be expelled. This process can take from 1\u00a0to 30 minutes.<\/p>\n DO NOT pull the placenta out. It will deliver by itself. If you have\u00a0assisted in a delivery outside a hospital, transport the placenta to the hospital with the\u00a0mother and child. There the placenta should be examined along with the mother and\u00a0child. The contractions of the uterus (in expelling the placenta) help constrict blood\u00a0vessels torn in delivery, thus reducing the possibility of the mother hemorrhaging.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The period of labor can be divided into three stages. The first stage is dilation. The second stage is expulsion, and The third stage is the placental stage. a. First Stage: Dilation. During this stage, the cervix dilates at a rate of one to\u00a0two centimeters per hour until dilation is complete at 10 centimeters (four … Continue reading 2-04. THREE STAGES OF LABOR<\/span>