Final answer:
Before birth, the obstetrician must clear the newborn's airways, and after delivery, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut. Childbirth comprises three main stages: cervical dilation, expulsion of the newborn including the cutting of the umbilical cord, and afterbirth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before every birth, certain vital processes and preparations must take place to ensure the safe delivery of the newborn. One critical step that occurs upon the birth of the newborn's head is the aspiration of mucus from the mouth and nose by an obstetrician before the baby takes its first breath. This is to clear airways and prevent aspiration of mucus into the lungs. Further, the birth process involves the stretching of the vaginal canal, cervix, and perineum. The umbilical cord is then double-clamped, and a cut is made to sever the physical connection between the mother and the newborn. This series of events falls under the second stage of childbirth, which is the expulsion of the newborn. The third stage is the afterbirth, where the placenta is expelled from the uterus.
From the fetal perspective, birth is a monumental transition from the constant, supportive environment of the womb to the outside world. Childbirth involves three major stages: cervical dilation, expulsion of the newborn, and the afterbirth. These stages ensure that the baby is born safely and that the mother's body adjusts properly post-delivery.