Birthing

• What is the typical gestation period for humans?

  40 weeks
• What are babies born before 37 weeks called?

  Premature
• What hormones are involved in the birthing process?

  • Relaxin: softens the cervix
  • Oxytocin: induces contractions
• What are the three stages of birthing?

  1. First stage: cervix shortens and dilates
  2. Second stage: baby moves down the birth canal
  3. Third stage: placenta is expelled
• What happens during the first stage of birthing?

  The cervix shortens and dilates
• What occurs when the amnion ruptures?

  Water breaks
• What happens to the mucus plug during the first stage of birthing?

  It falls out as the cervix dilates
• What occurs during the second stage of birthing?

  The baby is pushed down the birth canal
• What is the umbilical cord's role during birth?

  It attaches the baby to the placenta
• What is the third stage of birthing?

  The placenta is expelled
• What is the term for the natural process of the placenta detaching?

  Afterbirth
• What happens after the placenta is delivered?

  Birth is considered complete