Final answer:
During the second stage of labor, the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm, contractions continue, and the mother pushes with the aid of her abdominal muscles to deliver the baby. If necessary, Pitocin can be used to restart labor. Following the baby's birth, the placenta is delivered in the third stage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Steps of the Second Stage of Labor
The second stage of labor involves the expulsion of the baby from the uterus and can vary in duration, especially based on whether it is the person's first labor or a subsequent one. This stage may take minutes, hours, or even days but generally tends to be shorter in subsequent labors.
- Cervix reaches full dilation to approximately 10 cm, allowing the baby to pass through.
- Contractions continue, helping to move the baby down the birth canal.
- The mother or person giving birth uses abdominal muscles to push and aid in the delivery of the baby.
- Delivery of the baby's head, followed by the shoulders and the rest of the body.
If labor stalls before the commencement of the second stage, synthetic oxytocin, also known as Pitocin, may be administered to stimulate and maintain contractions. After the successful delivery of the baby, the third stage involves the delivery of the placenta and associated fetal membranes.