Final answer:
Collaborative management of the second stage of labor is a joint effort between the birthing person and healthcare professionals to deliver the baby, with the potential use of Pitocin to aid labor if necessary, followed by the expulsion of the afterbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of collaborative management of the second stage of labor refers to the joint efforts of healthcare professionals and the birthing person to effectively navigate the phase of labor where the baby is expelled from the uterus. This stage involves the complete dilation of the cervix to about 10 cm, which allows for the passage of the baby. The birthing person actively pushes, often aided by the compression of abdominal muscles, to help deliver the baby. If complications arise or labor stalls before this stage, synthetic oxytocin, commonly known as Pitocin, may be given to resume and sustain labor. The management of this labor stage is collaborative, as it requires constant monitoring and support from medical staff, as well as active participation and communication with the birthing person.
Following the delivery of the baby, the third stage of labor entails the expulsion of the afterbirth, which includes the placenta and associated fetal membranes. The duration of this stage can span from minutes to hours and tends to shorten with each subsequent labor experience.