The fourth stage of labor, as previously mentioned, is the period from the delivery of the placenta until the uterus remains firm on its own.

In this stabilization phase, the uterus makes its initial readjustment to the nonpregnant state. The primary goal is to prevent hemorrhage from the uterine atony and the cervical or vaginal lacerations.

NOTE: Atony is the lack of normal muscle tone. Uterine atony is failure of the uterus to contract.