Final answer:
The three stages of labor are the dilation of the cervix, the expulsion of the baby, and the delivery of the afterbirth (placenta).
Step-by-step explanation:
Description of the Three Stages of Labor
The correct description that best describes the three stages of labor is: dilation, expulsion, and placental stage. During the first stage, the cervix thins and dilates to about 10 cm, allowing room for the baby to move through the birth canal. The second stage involves the expulsion of the baby from the uterus, where contractions and maternal effort deliver the baby. Finally, the third stage, known as the afterbirth, occurs when the placenta is delivered post-delivery of the baby.