Stages of Labor and Effacement vs Dilation

Introduction

• Presenter: Meris
• Topics: Stages of labor, effacement, dilation
• Materials: Maternity flashcards (LevelUpRN.com)

Stages of Labor

1. First Stage
   • Phases
     • Latent Phase:
       • Characteristics: Excitement, talkativeness
       • Pain Level: Mild
       • Cervical Dilation: 0-3 cm
     • Active Phase:
       • Characteristics: Increased discomfort, nervousness
       • Cervical Dilation: 4-7 cm
       • Stronger contractions
     • Transition Phase:
       • Characteristics: Strong urge to push, rectal pressure
       • Cervical Dilation: 8-10 cm (full dilation)
       • Emotional Support Needed: Reassurance, encouragement
2. Second Stage
   • From full cervical dilation (10 cm) to birth of the baby
3. Third Stage
   • From birth of the baby to the delivery of the placenta
4. Fourth Stage
   • From delivery of the placenta to mom's stabilization to pre-labor baseline

Effacement and Dilation

• Effacement
  • Thinning of the cervix
  • Measured in percentages (0-100%)
• Dilation
  • Enlargement of the cervix opening
  • Measured in centimeters (0-10 cm)
• Visualization: Helps in understanding differences between effacement and dilation

Conclusion

• Review helpful tips
• Encourage sharing study tips in comments
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