Describe the stages of labor.

Stages of Labor: 1. Stage 1: Early Labor and Active Labor - This stage involves regular contractions and dilation of the cervix. Early labor can last several hours, with mild or moderate contractions, while active labor has stronger, more intense contractions 3-5 minutes apart. 2. Stage 2: Pushing and Delivery of the Baby - Once the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm), the pushing stage begins. The woman pushes during contractions to move the baby down the birth canal, eventually leading to the baby's head and shoulders emerging, followed by the rest of the body. 3. Stage 3: Delivery of the Placenta - After the baby is born, the woman enters the third stage of labor, which involves the delivery of the placenta. The uterus continues contracting to help separate the placenta from the uterine wall, and the woman may need to push gently to expel it. This process typically takes 5-30 minutes after the birth of the baby.