Which stage of labor begins after the baby is delivered and ends with delivery of the placenta?

• A. Third stage
• B. First stage
• C. Second stage
• D. Supine hypotensive syndrome

Answer: (A)

The stage described is the third stage of labor. It begins after the baby is born and ends with the delivery of the placenta and fetal membranes. In this stage the uterus continues to contract to detach the placenta from the uterine wall and to compress blood vessels, helping prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Placental delivery typically occurs within a few minutes to about 30 minutes after birth. After the placenta is delivered, assess it to ensure it’s complete and continue to monitor the mother for excessive bleeding, using fundal massage if the uterus feels soft. The other options refer to stages that occur before birth or to a non-stage condition, not this portion of labor.