A total of 195 pregnant women participated in a study, with a mean age of 29.29 years. The findings revealed that pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI), adequate rest during pregnancy, and gravida status were significantly associated with the mode of delivery. However, no significant association was observed between the type of parturition and either birth spacing or parity.

The presence of medical professionals during parturition is the wisest decision, as they possess the skills which lead to adequate treatment during childbirth and the timely procedures in case of issues. As a NEET PG aspirant, you must know about parturition, its stages, monitoring and other essential aspects. 

Read on to learn more about parturition!

What is Parturition? 

Parturition refers to childbirth. It is termed the third and last phase of pregnancy and is often known as labour, which takes place after nine months following conception in human beings. This is the natural birth event where your baby and the placenta are passed out of the uterus, via the birth canal (vagina).

What are the Stages of Labour?

Although each birth is an individual experience, healthcare providers often break up labour into three key stages to be able to assist the process and maintain effective communication:

• Stage One: Labour (Contractions)
• Stage Two: Pushing and Birth
• Stage Three: Delivery of the Placenta

These stages are often referred to as normal labour. However, not every birth follows this pathway exactly, and that is entirely normal. Some individuals may not experience all stages of labour, particularly in cases of planned or emergency caesarean sections, or when labour is medically induced. 

Regardless of how your labour unfolds, your experience remains valid and important. The following is a detailed overview:

1. Stage One: Onset of Labour (Dilation)

The initial phase of labour begins during the regular contraction and ends at the time when the cervix is completely dilated (10 centimetres) and effaced (thinning out).

Timing contractions can be helpful during this phase. Measure the interval from the start of one contraction to the start of the next, ideally in seconds. Unlike Braxton Hicks (false or “practice” contractions), true labour contractions become more intense and occur at regular intervals, typically every three to five minutes.

This phase can either commence on its own, or it can be triggered by medicine. It can take a time of 12-19 hours in case this is the first time the mother is giving birth, but it is usually shorter in cases where the mother has borne children.

Phases of Onset of Labour

• Early Labour: During this time, the cervix slowly dilates with the opening process, usually to 6 centimetres. This stage can take place in a duration of 6 to 12 hours. You would typically be well able to stay at home during this time; however, be ready to travel to your birthing centre or hospital.
• Active Labour: The cervix opens to 10 centimetres. This is a stage when you might want to push. Active labour should take 4 to 8 hours, and this time should be spent under the supervision of a health professional.

Managing Stage One of Labour

Many individuals find the following techniques helpful in managing early and active labour:

• Gentle stretching or movement
• Meditation and focused breathing
• Changing positions or walking
• Using a birthing ball
• Taking a warm (not hot) bath or shower

Having a dedicated support person, such as a partner, family member, friend or professional doula, can also be beneficial. If your pain becomes difficult to manage, speak to your care team about available pain relief options.

2. Stage Two: Birth of Your Baby (Expulsion)

Stage two of labour commences once your cervix is dilated (opened) completely and proceeds to the birth of your baby. It can take 30 minutes or a few hours. In this period:

• Contractions normally come between every two and five minutes with a duration of between 60 and 90 seconds.
• You will be asked to push at every contraction, after which there will be a resting period.
• The head of your baby can be seen protruding at the opening of the vagina; it is called crowning.
• Your medical professional will help the baby into the world comfortably.
• After the baby is born, its umbilical cord will be clamped and cut.
• Delivery can, in some instances, be through planned or unplanned caesarean section.

3. Stage Three: Delivery of the Placenta

The third and final stage begins after your baby is born and ends with the delivery of the placenta. This is typically the shortest stage, lasting no longer than 30 minutes. During this stage:

• The contractions begin again approximately between 5 and 30 minutes after birth to aid the detachment of the placenta from the walls of the uterus.
• Your provider may press to help you push again or may gently push your abdomen to help you deliver the placenta.
• A certain amount of vaginal bleeding at this period is normal.
• It’s not uncommon to feel chilled or slightly feverish. Notify your care team if this occurs.
• In the event of a caesarean section, the placenta is removed surgically following the birth of your baby.

Once the placenta is delivered, your provider will ensure that it is fully expelled from the uterus. Any remaining tissue (retained products of conception) could lead to complications. If there has been a vaginal tear or an episiotomy, it will be repaired at this point.

Though labour may turn unpredictable and complicated, knowing about its phases may make you feel more informed and ready. Keep in mind that every birth is one of a kind. Those who deliver vaginally and those who have a caesarean have different means, but the result is the same: a healthy and safe childbirth.

What is a Partogram?

A partogram is a detailed graphic sheet that is used to track the development of labour. It helps to determine the presence of delays and failures to follow the expected path, and, consequently, to assist health care specialists in undertaking prompt decisions about the necessity to transfer, supplement, or discontinue labour. 

In order to provide uniform and quality obstetric care, the World Health Organisation (WHO) urges the use of the modified partogram on all mothers, helping to create ethical and standardised obstetric practices through labour. 

Considering the current developments, a number of simplified and revised forms of partogram have appeared, which should help all women feel welcomed and respected in the process of childbirth.

It is a systematic way of observing and documenting important details of maternal and foetal health and the developments in the labour progression. It gauges the following:

1. The process of the progression of labour is measured through monitoring the cervical dilatation, the descent of the head of the baby, and the frequency of contractions and their intensity.
2. Foetal health is greatly considered based on the indicators, which include foetal heart rate, the colour of the amniotic fluid, and the moulding of the foetal skull.
3. The pulse, the blood pressure, the temperature, the amount of urinary output, and the presence of proteins or acetone in the urine are regularly measured to establish the condition of the mother.
4. The partogram includes a dedicated section to document any medications administered, including intravenous fluids and oxytocin.

FAQs About Parturition

1. Which hormones are involved in parturition?

The most significant hormones are oxytocin, prostaglandins, oestrogen, relaxin, adrenaline, endorphins and prolactin. Oestrogen preconditions the womb, the prostaglandins soften the cervix, oxytocin causes contractions, and others act on stress and pain.

2. What are the complications during childbirth?

Complications are common and may include the inability to progress (prolonged labour), foetal distress, shoulder dystocia, umbilical cord problems, abnormal presentation or malposition, a low-lying placenta (which is also a form of placenta previa), uterine rupture, post-delivery haemorrhage and infections. 

3. How to ensure a stress-free childbirth?

Promote childbirth education, use of prenatal yoga or meditation, mindfulness, employment of a doula, a relaxing birth plan in a comfortable environment, breathing‑pattern training, and emotional support.

4. What is better between vaginal delivery or caesarean? 

For low‑risk pregnancies, vaginal delivery is typically safer, offering shorter recovery, fewer surgical risks, earlier breastfeeding, and shorter hospital stays. Caesareans are reserved for specific medical indications despite similar mortality rates in planned deliveries.

5. What steps can be taken for pain-free childbirth?

Pain relief can come from both non‑drug methods and medical options, such as breathing and patterned breathing, massage, water therapy, hypnobirthing, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy, and position changes, plus options like gas and air, pethidine injections, or epidural analgesia.

Conclusion

When individuals exhibit early signs of labour, such as lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or irregular contractions, it may indicate the onset of parturition. Early recognition and appropriate monitoring are critical to ensuring a safe and healthy delivery process for both mother and child.

Remain vigilant for prolonged labour, abnormal presentations, or maternal or foetal distress, as these may reflect overlooked risks in childbirth management. Prompt intervention, skilled obstetric support, and adherence to evidence-based protocols can dramatically improve birth outcomes and reduce complications.

For NEET PG aspirants, a thorough grasp of labour physiology, hormonal regulation, and intrapartum care is essential for both examinations and future clinical practice. DocTutorials offers comprehensive video lectures, quick-revision notes, and expert-led content tailored to high-yield obstetrics and gynaecology topics.
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