The Stages Of Labour

Question 1

What is labour?

Answer 1

Labour is the process by which the fetus, placenta and membranes are expelled through the birth canal

Question 2

How many stages of labour is there?

Answer 2

Four

Question 3

What are the four stages of labour?

Answer 3

1. Latent phase
2. First stage
3. Second stage
4. Third stage

Question 4

What is the latent phase of labour?

Answer 4

A period of time, not necessarily continuous in which there are contractions and some cervical change, including cervical position, consistency, effacement and dilation up to 4cm

Question 5

What is the first stage of labour?

Answer 5

Regular contractions occur, and there is progressive cervical dilation from 4cm

Question 6

What is the second stage of labour?

Answer 6

Full dilation of the cervix (10cm) – often determined by vaginal examination

Question 7

What is the third stage of labour?

Answer 7

The time from the birth of the baby to the expulsion of the placenta and membranes

Question 8

What are the three signs of imminent birth?

Answer 8

• ‘Purple’ anal cleft line
• Perineal bulging
• Rhombus of Michaelis