Step 4. Core Resources

Use this resource as a starting point for your investigations but don't forget to look elsewhere too...

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A] Uncomplicated Childbirth - Definitions and Descriptions

Definition of Childbirth
Childbirth refers to the process whereby the fetus makes its way from the womb down the birth canal to the outside world. It includes labour (the process of birth) and delivery (the birth itself).

Description
Childbirth usually begins spontaneously, following about 40 weeks after conception, but it may be started by artificial means if the pregnancy continues past 42 weeks gestation. Delivery between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation is considered normal and full-term. A baby born prior to 37 weeks of gestation is considered premature.

Labour
The onset of labour is signaled by regular painful uterine contractions. The average length of labour is about 14 hours for a first pregnancy and about 8 hours in subsequent pregnancies.

Stages of Labour
Labour occurs in four stages. The first is the dilation of the cervix, the second is the delivery of the baby, the third is the expulsion of the placenta and membranes and fourth stage is the immediate postpartum.