Final answer:
The correct order of the cardinal moves of labor starts with engagement, followed by descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, external rotation, and finally expulsion. Engaging with a healthcare professional helps expecting mothers understand these stages and manage labor effectively, sometimes with the aid of Pitocin if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cardinal moves of labor refer to the positional changes that a fetus makes to navigate through the birth canal during the birthing process. The correct sequence of these movements includes:
- Engagement: This is the descent and entrance of the fetal head into the pelvic inlet. It's the starting point for the subsequent moves.
- Descent: Further downward progression of the fetal head.
- Flexion: The fetal head flexes such that the chin moves closer to the chest, allowing for a smaller presenting diameter.
- Internal Rotation: The fetal head rotates to align with the mother's pelvic outlet.
- Extension: As the head passes under the pubic symphysis, it extends so that the head emerges first.
- External Rotation (Restitution): After the head is out, it rotates to bring the shoulders into alignment with the maternal pelvic outlet.
- Expulsion: Delivery of the remainder of the body after the shoulders and head have been born.
It is important for healthcare professionals to guide expectant mothers through the stages of labor, which include cervical dilation, the birth of the baby, and delivery of the afterbirth (placenta). Synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, can be used to stimulate labor if necessary.