Cervical Dilatation: Stages, Factors, and Labor Progression Insights
Revised list:
– Cervical dilation is when a woman’s cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm and fully effaced.
– The second stage of labor begins when a woman’s cervix is fully dilated.
– Fully dilated cervix does not mean the baby will be delivered immediately. The baby may need time to move down the birth canal.
– The second stage ends after the baby is delivered.
– The duration of the second stage can vary from minutes to hours.
– Pushing occurs only with contractions, and the mother rests between them.
– Pushing takes longer for first-time pregnant people and for women who have had epidurals.
– The length of pushing is determined by hospital policy, doctor’s discretion, the health of the mom and baby.
– The mother is encouraged to change positions, squat with support, and rest between contractions.
– Forceps, vacuum, or cesarean delivery may be considered if the baby isn’t progressing or the mother is exhausted.
– The third stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta.
– The placenta is delivered through contractions, usually with one push.
– The third stage can last 5 to 30 minutes.
– Placing the baby on the breast for breastfeeding can speed up the delivery of the placenta.
– Postpartum recovery is referred to as the fourth stage of labor.