Moore, what are the signs and stages of labor?
ADRIANNE MOORE, MD: Well, the signs of labor are rhythmic contractions, generally about five minutes apart, and lasting for a full minute. And there are how many different stages to labor? ADRIANNE MOORE, MD: There are three stages of labor. In the first, and longest stage of labor, the cervix dilates and become effaced through a series of contractions. In the second stage of labor, which is probably the hardest and most physically challenging, a woman is pushing after the cervix is completely open. The third stage of labor is simply the delivery of the placenta. Can you talk a little bit about the beginning of contractions and how the cervix or the neck of the vagina begins to open to allow the baby to pass through? STEVEN HOCKSTEIN, MD: Throughout the latter part of pregnancy a woman has contractions. They come, they go. They are generally mild, and they’re not regular in their pattern. During this time, the cervix will change. It becomes softer, and it dilates, or opens, a centimete
