: Begins with regular uterine contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm). This stage is further divided into early, active, and transitional phases.
Labor and delivery are typically divided into three distinct stages, as outlined in clinical resources like StatPearls : vaginal birth
: Occurs after the baby is born and concludes with the delivery of the placenta, often called the "afterbirth". Types of Vaginal Birth : Begins with regular uterine contractions and ends
: Labor begins and progresses on its own without medical intervention. Types of Vaginal Birth : Labor begins and
Vaginal birth is the most common method of childbirth, where a baby is born through the birth canal. Healthcare providers typically prefer this method as it is generally safer for both the mother and the infant, often resulting in shorter recovery times and fewer complications in future pregnancies.
: Starts with full cervical dilation and ends with the delivery of the baby. During this phase, the mother begins to push to move the baby through the vagina.