Template:Birth stages table
From Embryology
| Labour Stages | Changes | Time | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Dilatation | 7 to 12 hours longer for first child |
uterine contractions 10 minutes apart, function to dilate cervix fetal membranes rupture releasing amnion. |
| Stage 2 | Expulsion | 20 to 50 minutes | Uterine contractions 2 to 3 minutes apart, function to push fetus through cervix and vagina. |
| Stage 3 | Placental | 15 minutes | Following child delivery contractions continue to expel placenta. Haematoma separates placenta from uterine wall, separation occurs at spongy layer of decidua basalis. |
| Stage 4 | Recovery | 2+ hours | Continued myometrial contraction closes spiral arteries, also begins to reduce uterine volume. |
