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'''Stage One''' is associated with the start of painful contractions and the dilating of the cervix. Contractions are initially slow until the cervix reaches a diametre of 3cm, then the increase in speed until the end of stage one, at which point the cervix is at a diametre of approximately 10cm. Each muscle cell does not completely relax, and therefore shortens with each contraction. The retraction ring gradually moves upwards.
'''Stage One''' is associated with the start of painful contractions and the dilating of the cervix. Contractions are initially slow until the cervix reaches a diametre of 3cm, then the increase in speed until the end of stage one, at which point the cervix is at a diametre of approximately 10cm. Each muscle cell does not completely relax, and therefore shortens with each contraction. The retraction ring gradually moves upwards.
'''Stage Two''' is associated with the delivery of the foetus. As the foetus moves down it is rotated due to the dimensions of the pelvis (ellipsoid laterally at the pelvic inlet, circular in the middle and ellipsoid medially at the pelvic outlet). This generally results in the baby's head facing the mother's rectum. Abdominal contractions assist with the expulsion of the child.
'''Stage Two''' is associated with the delivery of the foetus. As the foetus moves down it is rotated due to the dimensions of the pelvis (ellipsoid laterally at the pelvic inlet, circular in the middle and ellipsoid medially at the pelvic outlet). This generally results in the baby's head facing the mother's rectum. Abdominal contractions assist with the expulsion of the child. A breach birth occurs if the baby is delivered feet first.
'''Stage Three''' is associated with the delivery of the placenta. Because of the importance of completely removing the entire placenta (abandoned villi can result in maternal haemorrhage) this stage is usually assisted with steady traction on the umbilical cord and doses of oxytocin.
'''Stage Three''' is associated with the delivery of the placenta. Because of the importance of completely removing the entire placenta (abandoned villi can result in maternal haemorrhage) this stage is usually assisted with steady traction on the umbilical cord and doses of oxytocin.
==Procedures Associated with Parturition==
''This section does not cover [[Cesarean sections]]''
'''Episiotomy''' - a surgical incision to assist the passage of the baby
==Preterm and Post-Term Parturition==
==Preterm and Post-Term Parturition==