Which statement is true about the stages of labor?

• A. Placental is the first stage.
• B. Expulsion is the first stage.
• C. Dilation is the first stage.
• D. Dilation is the last stage.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is understanding how labor is divided into stages and what each term describes. The first stage of labor is defined by the cervix opening from closed to about 10 centimeters and becoming effaced (thinned). During this stage, contractions help the cervix dilate, with a latent phase of gradual dilation and mild contractions, an active phase of faster dilation, and a transition phase near full dilation. This is why dilation is the defining feature of the first stage.

Placental delivery happens after the baby is born, so the placental stage is the third stage, not the first. Expulsion refers to the birth of the baby, which occurs during the second stage, after the cervix is fully dilated. Saying dilation is the last stage would place the opening of the cervix at the end of labor, which is not accurate—the cervix must dilate first to allow delivery.