“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
The third stage of labor refers to the period of time after the delivery of the baby and before the delivery of the placenta. During this stage, the uterus continues to contract to help detach and expel the placenta from the uterus.
The third stage of labor can be divided into two phases: the passive phase and the active phase. In the passive phase, the uterus continues to contract and the placenta begins to separate from the uterine wall. This phase can last from a few minutes up to 30 minutes.
In the active phase, the uterus contracts more forcefully, causing the placenta to be expelled through the vagina. This usually occurs within 5-30 minutes after the baby is born. The health care provider will carefully monitor the mother during this stage to ensure that the placenta is delivered intact and to check for any signs of excessive bleeding.
After the placenta is delivered, the uterus continues to contract to help control bleeding and prevent the formation of blood clots. The health care provider may also administer medication, such as oxytocin, to help the uterus contract and prevent excessive bleeding.