What are the three stages of labor?

The first stage of labor involves the dilation of the cervix, which occurs as the uterus contracts and helps to open the cervix in preparation for delivery. This stage is essential for allowing the baby to progress through the birth canal. It is typically divided into three phases: the latent phase, the active phase, and the transition phase, each characterized by different levels of cervical dilation and contractions.

The second stage of labor is known as the expulsion stage, during which the fully dilated cervix allows the baby to be pushed out through the vaginal canal. This stage signifies the actual delivery and ends with the birth of the infant.

The third stage of labor is the placental delivery, which involves the expulsion of the placenta after the baby is born. This final stage is crucial because it ensures that the placenta, which has provided nutrients and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy, is removed from the mother's body to prevent complications.

This correct sequence of stages in labor—dilation, expulsion, and placenta delivery—accurately represents the process of childbirth and is fundamental for understanding the progression of labor.