The Stages of Labor

By drbeyke_3
  • 1 CE

    First Stage

    Contractions make the cervix dilate, or widen.
    Cervix becomes thinner - called effacement.
    Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BwnWQpFbeA
  • Transition
    2

    Transition

    Transition completes the work of the first stage.
    The cervix becomes fully dilated to a size of 4 inches (10 cm) and the baby's head slips out of the uterus into the birth canal.
  • Second Stage: Crowning
    3

    Second Stage: Crowning

    When the top of the head appears at the opening of the birth canal, it is called crowning.
  • 4

    Second Stage: Head Emerges

    The baby's head emerges first.
    The head changes shape so that it can pass through the birth canal.
    It will return to normal later.
    After the head, the shoulders follow, and the rest of the baby then slips out.
  • Third Stage
    5

    Third Stage

    The women gives birth to the placenta, no longer needed by the baby.