Describe the normal process of labor. The first stage of labor contractions occur about every 8 to 10 minutes, increasing in frequency, duration, and intensity until the mother's cervix expands. In the second stage of labor, which lasts about 90 minutes, the baby begins to move through the cervix and birth canal and ultimately leaves the mother's body. In the third stage of labor, which lasts only a few minutes, the umbilical cord and placenta are expelled from the mother.

Understanding how labor begins is essential for expectant mothers and anyone interested in human development. Early contractions are the body's natural way of signaling that it's time for the birthing process to start. These contractions might be mild at first and are roughly spaced 8 to 10 minutes apart, gradually becoming more regular and intense. This period can vary significantly from one person to another in both duration and intensity of contractions.

During this initial phase, the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina, begins the dilation process. Dilation means the cervix is opening and thinning to prepare for the baby's passage. Ideally, the cervix will dilate to 10 centimeters (cm) to allow the baby to move from the uterus to the birth canal. This is a crucial step, as sufficient dilation is necessary for a safe and natural vaginal delivery. It's also during this time that the mucus plug, which blocks the cervical opening during pregnancy, is discharged. This might be accompanied by what's known as 'bloody show', a mix of blood and mucus.

• Early stage contractions can be irregular and vary in intensity.
• Cervical dilation is critical for the baby's passage during birth.
• Complete dilation is around 10 cm for the birth canal to be fully accessible.

As labor progresses, the mother reaches the second stage - the birth of the baby. This stage starts when the cervix is fully dilated and ends when the baby is born. The average duration can be around 90 minutes, but this can vary for different individuals. It's known as the 'pushing' stage because it's during this time that the mother will actively push to help move the baby through the birth canal. The strength of contractions will assist in this pushing effort.

The baby's head will usually move through the cervix and birth canal first, in a process called 'crowning', which is when the top of the baby's head can first be seen at the vaginal opening. Once the head is delivered, the rest of the body often follows more quickly. It's a highly monitored stage because both the baby's and mother's conditions are closely watched to ensure safe delivery. Immediately after birth, the newborn's airway is cleared to facilitate breathing, the umbilical cord is clamped, and the baby is often placed on the mother's chest for skin-to-skin contact, which has numerous benefits for both.

• The 'pushing' stage entails active effort from the mother to move the baby through the birth canal.
• Crowning is the moment when the baby's head becomes visible.
• Once the head is delivered, the rest of the body typically follows swiftly.

The third and final stage of labor is the expulsion of the placenta, also known as the afterbirth. Soon after the baby is born, the uterus continues to contract, helping to detach the placenta from the uterine wall. Following this, the placenta is expelled through the birth canal. These mild contractions may last for a few minutes up to half an hour.

It is important for the entire placenta to be expelled to prevent complications like excessive bleeding or infection. The healthcare provider will examine the expelled placenta to ensure it's intact and that no fragments remain inside the uterus. Management of this stage has improved, with measures such as controlled cord traction to help deliver the placenta and the use of medications to manage bleeding effectively.

• The placenta and the rest of the fetal membranes are delivered after the baby.
• Healthcare providers ensure the complete expulsion of the placenta to prevent complications.
• Controlled cord traction and medications might be used to manage placental delivery and bleeding.