Which stage of labor begins with the onset of contractions and ends with complete cervical dilation to 10 cm?

• A. Spontaneous abortion
• B. Second stage
• C. Preeclampsia
• D. First stage

Answer: (D)

Understanding the stages of labor and how cervical dilation progresses is being tested here. The stage that begins with the onset of regular contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 cm is the first stage. It includes a early portion where dilation starts slowly (the latent phase, up to about 6 cm) and then a more rapid portion (the active phase, from about 6 cm to 10 cm). Once dilation reaches 10 cm, the baby can begin to descend and be delivered, which marks the start of the second stage.

Spontaneous abortion refers to a miscarriage, not a stage of labor, and preeclampsia is a condition that can occur during pregnancy, not a stage of labor.