What occurs during the expulsion stage of labor?

During the expulsion stage of labor, the significant and defining event is the delivery of the baby. This stage follows the dilation of the cervix and is characterized by the mother experiencing intense contractions that help push the baby through the birth canal. As the contractions become stronger and more frequent, the baby moves down, ultimately leading to its emergence from the mother's body. This critical moment marks the culmination of the labor process, resulting in the birth of the child, which is the primary objective of labor.

The stages of labor include other processes, such as cervical dilation, which happens earlier in labor, and the expulsion of the placenta, which occurs afterward. The umbilical cord does not function in a manner related to the expulsion stage; instead, it supports the baby while in the womb but is no longer involved in the delivery process after birth. Understanding these stages and their order helps clarify the specific events that take place during each stage of labor.