Stages of labour

Stages of labour

Labour is described in three stages the fourth stages is the first one hour after the delivery of placenta.

1. The First Stage

“ This is the period from the onset of the true regular uterinecontractions until full dilatations of the cervical Os.” This is the period of cervical dilatation and it is described in phases.

Latent Phase: this is the period prior to active stage oflabour. Time from spontaneous onset of labour until the cervix is 3-4cm dilated and the cervix shortens from 3cm to 0.5cm long. It may last 6-8hours in primip but much shorter in multiparous, the line on the partogram remains horizontal.

Active phase: Is the period from 3-4cm to 10cm dilatation.The cervix undergoes more rapid dilatation, at the rate of about 1cm per hour. The line on the partogram rises rapidly. It last 2-6 hours but shorter in multiparous women.

2. Second Stage

This is that of expulsion of the fetus. “it is the period from full dilatation of the cervix and the urgue to push and ends when the fetus is expelled”.

3. The Third Stage

Is that of separation and expulsion of placenta and membranes and the control of bleeding. “That is from the birt h of the baby until the delivery of the placenta and membranes and bleeding is controlled”. Not affected by parity.

4. The fourth stage:

This is a period of one hour following the birth of placenta. This period is given recognition in order to emphasis the importance of continuous vigilance on the woman for the risk of post partum hemorrhage. Not affected by party. It is actually the first one hour in puerperium.