Which description correctly defines Stage 2 of labor?

Which description correctly defines Stage 2 of labor?

• A. Stage 1 = onset of contractions to full dilation
• B. Stage 2 = full dilation to expulsion
• C. Stage 3 = expulsion to delivery of placenta
• D. Stage 4 = postpartum stabilization

Answer: (B)

Labor unfolds in stages, each marked by distinct events. Stage two is the period from when the cervix is fully dilated to the birth of the baby. Once dilation reaches about 10 centimeters, contractions and the mother’s pushing efforts help move the baby down the birth canal, culminating in delivery. This stage ends with the infant being born. It’s different from the first stage, which ends at full dilation but before pushing begins, the third stage, which covers delivery of the placenta, and the fourth stage, which focuses on postpartum stabilization and recovery.

Labor unfolds in stages, each marked by distinct events. Stage two is the period from when the cervix is fully dilated to the birth of the baby. Once dilation reaches about 10 centimeters, contractions and the mother’s pushing efforts help move the baby down the birth canal, culminating in delivery. This stage ends with the infant being born. It’s different from the first stage, which ends at full dilation but before pushing begins, the third stage, which covers delivery of the placenta, and the fourth stage, which focuses on postpartum stabilization and recovery.