Final answer:
Childbirth is divided into three stages: cervical effacement and dilation, expulsion of the baby, and delivery of the placenta (afterbirth).
Step-by-step explanation:
Stages of Childbirth
Childbirth is typically categorized into three primary stages. During the first stage, the cervix thins (effacement) and dilates. This dilation is crucial to allow the baby and placenta to pass through during birth, reaching a width of approximately 10 cm. The second stage is characterized by the expulsion of the baby from the uterus. During this stage, uterine contractions occur, and the birthing mother uses abdominal muscles to push and aid in delivering the baby. The third stage, often called the delivery of the afterbirth, involves the passage of the placenta. The placenta detaches from the uterine wall following the birth of the baby and is then expelled. Should labor pause before the second stage, synthetic oxytocin, often referred to as Pitocin, might be administered to reinitiate and maintain labor contractions.