What is the timeframe for the second stage of labor?

What is the timeframe for the second stage of labor?

• A. From onset of labor to 4 cm dilation
• B. From 4 cm to 10 cm dilation
• C. From complete dilation to delivery of the fetus
• D. From delivery of the fetus to expulsion of placenta

Answer: (C)

The second stage of labor is defined as the period beginning with complete dilation of the cervix at 10 cm and ending with the delivery of the fetus. This stage is characterized by the woman's urge to push and the process of the fetus traveling through the birth canal until birth. The focus during this stage is on the descent and eventual delivery of the newborn, marking a significant transition in labor. In contrast to this, the other timeframes mentioned relate to different stages of labor. The onset of labor to 4 cm dilation pertains to the first stage of labor known as the latent phase, while the timeframe from 4 cm dilation to 10 cm still occurs within the first stage of labor, specifically during the active phase. The time period from delivery of the fetus to expulsion of the placenta defines the third stage of labor. Therefore, the definition of the second stage hinges on reaching complete dilation and the subsequent delivery of the baby, which reinforces why identifying the correct timeframe of this stage as from complete dilation to delivery of the fetus is essential in understanding the labor process.

The second stage of labor is defined as the period beginning with complete dilation of the cervix at 10 cm and ending with the delivery of the fetus. This stage is characterized by the woman's urge to push and the process of the fetus traveling through the birth canal until birth. The focus during this stage is on the descent and eventual delivery of the newborn, marking a significant transition in labor.

In contrast to this, the other timeframes mentioned relate to different stages of labor. The onset of labor to 4 cm dilation pertains to the first stage of labor known as the latent phase, while the timeframe from 4 cm dilation to 10 cm still occurs within the first stage of labor, specifically during the active phase. The time period from delivery of the fetus to expulsion of the placenta defines the third stage of labor. Therefore, the definition of the second stage hinges on reaching complete dilation and the subsequent delivery of the baby, which reinforces why identifying the correct timeframe of this stage as from complete dilation to delivery of the fetus is essential in understanding the labor process.