Final answer:
The delivery of the placenta is the final stage of childbirth. It is easily delivered through the vagina after the baby is born. Uterine contractions help reduce blood loss from the site of the placenta.
Step-by-step explanation:
The delivery of the placenta, also known as the afterbirth, is the final stage of childbirth. After the baby is born, the myometrium, which is the muscle layer of the uterus, continues to contract and shears the placenta from the uterine wall. The placenta is then easily delivered through the vagina. Uterine contractions after delivery of the placenta help reduce blood loss from the site of the placenta.
If the placenta does not spontaneously deliver within approximately 30 minutes, it is considered retained, and medical intervention may be required, such as manual removal or surgery.