Labor || Stages of Labor || Mechanisms of Labor (Cardinal Movements of the Fetus) || Signs of True vs False Labor || Pain Management in Labor || Complications of Labor || Role of Nurses and Paramedics During Labor
Labor Labor is the process by which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus after the 28th week of pregnancy. It is a complex physiological process that involves coordinated uterine contractions, cervical dilation, and fetal descent. Stages of Labor Labor is divided into four stages : 1. First Stage (Cervical Dilatation Stage) Starts: Onset of regular uterine contractions. Ends: Complete dilatation of the cervix (10 cm). Duration: Primigravida (first-time mother) → 12-14 hours Multigravida (previous childbirth experience) → 6-8 hours Phases of the First Stage Latent Phase (Early Labour) Cervix dilates 0-3 cm Mild, irregular contractions (every 5–30 minutes, lasting 30–45 seconds). Patient feels mild discomfort and excitement. Active Phase Cervix dilates 4-7 cm Contractions become more frequent (every 3–5 minutes) and intense. Pain increases, and patient may feel discomfort. Transition Phase Cervix dilates 8-10...