Which stage of labor is characterized by complete dilation and the urge to push?

Which stage of labor is characterized by complete dilation and the urge to push?

• A. First stage of labor
• B. Second stage of labor
• C. Third stage of labor
• D. Fourth stage of labor

Answer: (B)

The second stage of labor is being tested here. It begins when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm and ends with the birth of the baby. At this point, the baby is ready to move through the birth canal, and most people have a strong urge to push with each contraction to help deliver the fetus. This pushing, or bearing down, coordinates with the end of cervical dilation and the descent of the presenting part. By contrast, the first stage ends with complete dilation but does not involve pushing; the third stage follows birth with placental delivery; the fourth stage is the immediate postpartum recovery. The combination of complete dilation and the urge to push specifically identifies this stage.

The second stage of labor is being tested here. It begins when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm and ends with the birth of the baby. At this point, the baby is ready to move through the birth canal, and most people have a strong urge to push with each contraction to help deliver the fetus. This pushing, or bearing down, coordinates with the end of cervical dilation and the descent of the presenting part. By contrast, the first stage ends with complete dilation but does not involve pushing; the third stage follows birth with placental delivery; the fourth stage is the immediate postpartum recovery. The combination of complete dilation and the urge to push specifically identifies this stage.