The Stages Of The Birthing Process - 2029 Words

The stages of the birthing process are separated into 3 stages: labor, delivery, and afterbirth. The labor stage begins with the process of effacement, where the cervix becomes thinner and shortens. The cervix also begins to enlarge and become wider in a process called dilation. During the labor stage the cervical mucus plug also may be passed this is a mucus substance that plugs the cervix and is formed to protect the fetus from bacterial infections. Once this structure has been passed it allows for the fetus to be born. At some time during this stage the amniotic sac also ruptures that encased the fetus. The labor stage also includes contractions that are stimulated by the fetus against the cervix and the release of the hormone†¦show more content†¦The last stage of the birthing process is called the afterbirth. In this stage the placenta must be removed to prevent infection or hemorrhaging. It may either be done manually or passed by further contractions produced by th e mother. In this stage the umbilical cord may be cut once the neonate has learned to breathe. Once the afterbirth or placenta has passed the birthing process is complete. 8. There are many significant developments that occur in the different prenatal development stages. In the first stage, the germinal period, is where the zygote develops after fertilization and becomes implanted on the uterine wall. After the fertilization that occurs in the fallopian tubes the zygote begins to undergo the process of cell division. Once the cell division has converted the zygote into several cells within a hollow fluid filled structure we may call it a blastocyst. The blastocyst then enters the uterus, continues to divide, and then becomes implanted on the endometrium. At this point the blastocyst begins to grow very fast and forms membranes that will protect and nourish the growing fetus. This development includes 2 membranes called the amnion(surrounds the developing embryo) and the chorion(that will later form the placenta) that will enclose the inner cell mass of the developing embryo. The inner cell mass will further separate to form the endoderm, mesoderm, a nd ectoderm to form the different parts of