| labour | <obstetrics> The act of giving birth to a baby. There are four stages: The first stage lasts from the onset of labour until there is full dilation (10 cm.) of the cervical os (opening). The first stage of labour is also called the stage of dilatation. The second stage lasts from the full dilatation of the cervix until the baby is completely out of the birth canal and has been born. The second stage of labour is also called the stage of expulsion. The third stage lasts from birth of the foetus through expulsion or extraction of the placenta and membranes (afterbirth). The third stage of labour is also called the placental stage. The fourth stage is the hour or two after delivery when the tone of the uterus is established and the uterus contracts down again. (08 Mar 2000) |
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| labour complications | <obstetrics> Medical problems associated with labour including cephalopelvic disproportion, haemorrhage, foetal distress, or other disorders. (12 Dec 1998) |
| labour onset | <obstetrics> The establishment of regular uterine contractions together with beginning dilatation of the cervix. (12 Dec 1998) |
| labour pains | <obstetrics> Rhythmical uterine contractions which under normal conditions increase in intensity, frequency, and duration, culminating in vaginal delivery of the infant. Synonym: parodynia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| labour, premature | Onset of labour before term but after the foetus has become viable, usually sometime during the 29th through 38th week of gestation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| labour presentation | The part of the foetal body that is in advance in the birth canal. (12 Dec 1998) |
| fourth stage of labour | The hour or two after delivery when the tone of the uterus is established and the uterus contracts down again. (12 Dec 1998) |