Which stage is defined as the onset of contractions to full dilation?

Which stage is defined as the onset of contractions to full dilation?

• A. First Stage of Labor
• B. Second Stage of Labor
• C. Third Stage of Labor
• D. Stages of Labor

Answer: (A)

The interval from when regular contractions begin to when the cervix is fully dilated is the first stage of labor. During this time the uterus works to open and thin the cervix so the baby can pass through the birth canal. The cervix dilates from 0 to 10 centimeters, with an initial latent phase of slow dilation followed by an active phase of more rapid dilation. Once full dilation is reached, the baby moves into the second stage, which ends with birth. The third stage then spans from delivery of the baby to delivery of the placenta.

The interval from when regular contractions begin to when the cervix is fully dilated is the first stage of labor. During this time the uterus works to open and thin the cervix so the baby can pass through the birth canal. The cervix dilates from 0 to 10 centimeters, with an initial latent phase of slow dilation followed by an active phase of more rapid dilation. Once full dilation is reached, the baby moves into the second stage, which ends with birth. The third stage then spans from delivery of the baby to delivery of the placenta.