Final answer:
The third stage of labor begins with the birth of the newborn and ends with the delivery of the afterbirth, which is the placenta. This stage completes the childbirth process and ensures the well-being of the birthing individual by expelling the placenta and associated fetal membranes, taking a few minutes to a half hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The third stage of labor begins with the birth of the newborn and ends with the delivery of the afterbirth (placenta). Childbirth involves three essential stages:
- Stage 1: Early cervical dilation, where the cervix thins and dilates to prepare for the baby and placenta to pass through during birth, eventually dilating to about 10 cm.
- Stage 2: Full dilation and expulsion of the newborn, where uterine contractions continue and in most cases, the person giving birth pushes by compressing their abdominal muscles to aid the delivery.
- Stage 3: Delivery of the placenta and associated fetal membranes, which is the passage of the placenta after the baby has been born and the organ has completely disengaged from the uterine wall.
This afterbirth stage, the third stage of childbirth, may last from a few minutes to a half hour. The passage of the placenta is an essential part of the labor process to ensure that no significant bleeding occurs and that the uterus can return to its regular size.