| Chapter 10: | Labor and Delivery |   |
The labor and delivery processes go through three distinct stages, including:
- Stage 1: The mother's contractions begin to dilate cervix and continue until dilation measures approximately 10 cm.
- Stage 2: The fetus is forced through the mother's cervical canal as a result of the contractions and abdominal wall pushing forces. The newborn's head normally presents first, and then the fetus rotates about 90° so the shoulders can present, permitting it to pass through the canal. As the infant's delivery is completed, the umbilical cord is clamped.
- Stage 3: When the placenta is expulsed, the delivery is complete.