Labor is divided into four distinct stages, according to the physiologic changes that take place.
First Stage-the Dilating Stage, The complete opening of the cervix.
Second Stage-the Expulsion Stage, or the actual birth, beginning with the fully dilated cervix ending with the birth of the baby.
Third Stage-the Placental Stage, beginning with the birth of the baby and ending with the delivery of the placenta.
Fourth Stage-the Recovery Stage, beginning after the placenta is born and ending when the mother`s condition stabilizes.
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