Final answer:
The progress of the labor process is defined in three stages: cervical dilation, expulsion of the baby, and delivery of the placenta. Synthetic oxytocin like Pitocin may be used if labor stalls before stage two.
Step-by-step explanation:
The progress of the labor process is defined in three stages. The first stage of labor involves cervical dilation, where the cervix thins and dilates to about 10 cm to allow for the baby and placenta to be expelled during birth. In the second stage of labor, the baby is expelled from the uterus, with the uterus contracting and the birth-giver pushing with the help of abdominal muscles to aid delivery. The final stage of labor is the passage of the placenta, ensuring the complete detachment from the uterine wall. If labor stalls before reaching stage two, synthetic oxytocin, such as Pitocin, can be administered to facilitate the progression of labor.