| first stage of labour | The part of labour when the cervix dilates fully (to 10 centimeters). The first stage of labour is also called the stage of dilatation. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| latent stage | incubation period |
| 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) |