The correct spelling of the medical term "third stage of labor" is /θɜrd steɪdʒ əv ˈleɪbər/. The first sound of the word "third" is a voiceless dental fricative (/θ/) followed by a dark l sound (/ɻ/) which merges with the diphthong /eɪ/ in "stage." "Labor" is spelled with a voiced alveolar approximant (/l/) and a schwa sound (/ə/). The proper phonetic transcription helps medical professionals communicate accurately and avoid errors in their written documentation.
The third stage of labor refers to the final phase of childbirth, following the delivery of the baby and the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall. It is also known as the placental stage. This stage is characterized by the expulsion of the placenta and the remaining membranes from the mother's body.
During the third stage of labor, the mother may experience mild to moderate contractions similar to those felt during early labor. These contractions aid in the detachment and delivery of the placenta. In some cases, healthcare providers may administer a medication called oxytocin to help stimulate uterine contractions and facilitate placental expulsion.
The main objective of this stage is to ensure that the entire placenta is expelled from the uterus, as leaving any remnants can lead to complications such as infection or hemorrhage. The healthcare provider will carefully monitor the amount of blood loss and examine the placenta to ensure its integrity.
Typically, the third stage of labor lasts anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, but it can vary between individuals. After the successful completion of this stage, the mother may experience a sense of relief and increased bonding with her newborn.
The period following the birth of the child until the expulsion of the placenta and membranes, or after-birth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.