Question

8. Differentiate among the three stages of labor. (pp 1193-1194)

Answer 1

The three stages of labor are dilation of the cervix, the birth of the baby, and the delivery of the afterbirth. Pitocin can be administered to stimulate and maintain labor if it stops before stage two is reached.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three stages of labor are:

1. Dilation of the cervix: During this stage, the cervix thins and dilates to about 10 cm. This allows the baby and placenta to be expelled during birth.
2. The birth of the baby: In stage two, the baby is expelled from the uterus. The uterus contracts and the mother pushes to aid the delivery.
3. The delivery of the afterbirth: The last stage involves the passage of the placenta after the baby has been born. It detaches from the uterine wall.

If labor stops before stage two is reached, synthetic oxytocin, known as Pitocin, can be administered to stimulate and maintain labor.