COMMUNITY HEALTH

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CHEW
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THE STAGES OF LABOUR

There are 4 stages of Labour: The first stage is the stage of dilation of the cervix. This stage lasts from the onset of true labour to complete dilation of the cervix. The second stage is known as the expulsion stage. It begins when the cervix is fully dilated to the delivery of the baby. The third stage starts from the delivery of the baby to the delivery of the placenta. The fourth stage,is described as the stage of observation and restoration, this stage lasts up to 1-2 hours after the birth of the placenta. At this period every laceration or episiotomy is sutured, baby is cleaned and covered. The mother is also cleaned, catheterised and transferred to lie in her bed and observation continues. This stage is necessary because of the risk of post partum haemorrhage.