Describe in detail the three stages of labor

What will be an ideal response?

The first stage of labor involves the thinning, effacing and opening or dilating of the cervix. It must dilate to 10 cm in order for the baby to pass through the birth canal. There are three phases within this stage. The first of these phases is the pre-labor phase when the woman typically dilates to 3 cm. This is typically the easiest but longest phase of labor. Active labor (the second phase of stage one), includes stronger, more frequent contractions and the cervix dilates from 4-7 cm. Transition is the final phase of stage one, and normally is the most physically challenging period of labor. The cervix dilates from 8-10 cm. Pushing can begin at 10 cm, and this is the second stage of labor. When the baby's head is visible (crowning), phase two of the pushing stage has begun. Stage two ends with the delivery of the baby. Stage three involves the birth of the placenta, and usually occurs within 15-30 minutes after the delivery of the baby. The placenta begins to detach from the uterine wall and typically a gentle push will expel it.