Normal labour

• First stage = painful contractions, effacement and dilatation of the cervix, 4-10cm

  Second stage = full dilation (10cm) to delivery of foetus

  Third stage = delivery of foetus to delivery of placenta
• Progress in labour is influenced by the three P’s:

  • Power (uterine contractions)
  • Passenger (size, presentation and position of the baby)
  • Passage (the shape and size of the pelvis and soft tissues)