Final answer:
The exact percentage of labors requiring assistance is not specified, but around 12% of women experience their water breaking before labor begins, indicating the end of the dilation stage. Interventions such as synthetic oxytocin can be used if labor stalls before the second stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question does not specify the exact percentage of labors in which women will need help to deliver, but it provides detailed information about the stages of labor and signs indicating the onset of labor. During the first stage of labor, the cervix thins and dilates, potentially over a period that varies from minutes to days, and this process is generally shorter in subsequent labors. The membranes enclosing the fetus, also known as the amniotic sac, may rupture before labor starts in about 12% of cases, signaling the end of the dilation stage. Should labor stall before entering the second stage, where the baby is expelled through contractions and maternal pushing, synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) can be administered to assist the process.
It is important to note that the necessity for medical intervention can vary widely between individuals and circumstances. Factors such as maternal health, fetal health, and progression of labor all contribute to the decision to provide assistance during delivery.