Labor

The process of expelling the baby and its placenta from the uterus, through the birth canal, and outside the mother's body. Labor is divided into four different stages.

1st stage: Also called the stage of dilation becaused during this stage the cervix dilates to 10 centimeters.

2nd stage: Also called the stage of expulsion. Starts when the cervix is fully dilated and lasts until the baby is totally out of the birth canal.

3rd stage: Also called the placental stage. Begins with the birth of the baby and continues until the placenta and the rest of the afterbirth have been delivered.

4th stage: Occurs after delivery and lasts 1 to 2 hours while the uterus contracts back down to reduce bleeding.