Kjaergaard et al defined the stages and phases of normal delivery. The authors are from Copenhagen University Hospital, University of California Los Angeles and Lund University (Sweden).
Phases of Labor
Beginning
End
first
onset of regular contractions
full dilatation of the cervix
second
full dilatation of the cervix
delivery of child
Stages in the First Phase of Labor
Criteria
latent
cervical dilatation < 4.0 cm
active
cervical dilatation >= 4.0 cm
Stages in the Second Phase of Labor
Criteria
descending
before onset of strong and irresistible urge to push
expulsive
after onset of strong and irresistible urge to push during a contraction
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
