The third stage of labour comprises:-

Appeared in: AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Explanation

The third stage of labor is defined as the period from the birth of the baby until the placenta and membranes are expelled.
The hallmark of this stage is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, followed by its descent and expulsion.
This stage typically lasts from 5 to 15 minutes, although up to 30 minutes is considered normal.

Option A: The delivery of the fetus marks the conclusion of the second stage of labor, not an event within the third stage.
Option B: Effacement, or the thinning and shortening of the cervix, is a key process of the first stage of labor, preceding full dilatation.
Option D: The descent of the fetus through the birth canal is the primary work of the second stage of labor, leading to delivery.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Stages of Labor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL), which includes administering a uterotonic drug (like oxytocin), controlled cord traction, and uterine massage after placental delivery, is a critical nursing intervention to prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).
Nurses must recognize the signs of placental separation: a sudden gush of blood, lengthening of the visible portion of the umbilical cord, and the uterus becoming firm and rising in the abdomen.
What if? If the placenta is not delivered within 30 minutes (retained placenta), it is a medical emergency. The nurse must notify the provider immediately, establish IV access if not already present, and prepare for potential manual removal of the placenta, as this condition significantly increases the risk of severe PPH.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the 'third stage of labour'.
Recall the definitions and key events of the four stages of labor.
Analyze each option to determine which stage it belongs to.
Option A (Delivery of foetus) and Option D (Descent of foetus) are events of the second stage.
Option B (Effacement of cervix) is an event of the first stage.
Option C (Placental separation) is the defining event of the third stage. Therefore, this is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 67-69

E6 Midwifery Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing Sandeep Kaur p. 48-56

E6 Obstetrics Williams p. 8-23

Practise the full AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.