Health topics
Labour
WHO/Antonio Suàrez Weise
Labour is the process of giving birth, from the onset of true labour pains until completion of delivery. Labour is divided into three stages. In the first stage, the cervix starts to dilate and the fetus starts to descend. In the second stage, the cervix is fully dilated and the fetus descends as far as the pelvic floor. The third stage begins with delivery of the baby and ends with expulsion of the placenta.