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Beginning of Labor- First stage
When you begin labor the cervix is at normal size and shape. During the first stage of labor contractions make the cervix dilate or widen. Cervix becomes thinner. contractions are between thirty sec. and twenty min. apart. When they last a minute and are every five minutes woman are in actie labor. She may need to take medication. -
Transition
completes the work of the first stage. cervix becomes fully dilated to 4 inches and babys head slips out of uterus into the birth canal. -
second stage- crowning
Crowning- the head appears at the opening of the birth canal. The contractions are more productive, pushing the baby throught the pelvis. -
Second stage- Head emerges
Baby's head emerges first. Head changed shape to ease passage through the birth canal. Return to normal later on. -
Third Stage
gives birth to placenta, no longer needed by the baby. Cord blood- the blood left behind in the umbilical cord and placenta following birth. Stem cells- cells capable of producing all types of blood cells.