What are the four main stages of labor?

The four main stages of labor are accurately represented by the choice that includes the latent phase, active phase, transitional phase, and placental phase.

In obstetrics, labor is typically categorized into four distinct stages. The first stage is divided into two parts: the latent phase, where early contractions occur and the cervix begins to dilate, and the active phase, where the contractions become stronger and the cervix dilates from about 6 cm to full dilation. The transitional phase marks the transition from the active part of labor to the pushing stage when the cervix is almost fully dilated. The second stage, which follows the first, is focused on the time from full dilation to the delivery of the baby. Finally, the placental phase involves the delivery of the placenta after the baby has been born.

Other options describe phases that do not align with the established stages of labor. The early, mid, and late phases do not accurately reflect the clinical understanding and terminology used in obstetrics. Similarly, the resting phase, labor phase, and pushing phase is not consistent with how labor is defined. Lastly, the preparation, dilation, delivery, and recovery phases mischaracterize the stages of labor and do not include a medically recognized breakdown of labor