Question

A mother is in early labor and asks the nurse how long this will last. The nurse explains that the first stage of labor lasts from the beginning of regular contractions until the:

a. cervix is completely effaced.
b. baby is in position.
c. cervix is fully dilated.
d. woman begins pushing.

Answer 1

The nurse would explain that the first stage of labor lasts from the beginning of regular contractions until the cervix is fully dilated.

Step-by-step explanation:

The duration of the first stage of labor, which begins with regular contractions and culminates with the cervix becoming fully ready for delivery, can vary considerably. During this stage, the cervix undergoes two important changes: effacement (thinning) and dilation (widening). This stage lasts until the cervix is fully dilated to about 10 cm to allow the baby's head to pass through. The nurse accurately informs the mother that the first stage of labor lasts from the onset of regular contractions until the cervix is fully dilated. After the completion of the dilation stage, labor progresses to stage two, where the baby is expelled from the uterus, followed by stage three, the passage of the placenta.