Question

During which stage of labour does the cervix become completely dilated?

Options

• During Stage 3: Afterbirth Stage

• At the end of Stage 1: Dilation Stage

• At the beginning of Stage 2: Expulsion Stage

• Before Stage 1 begins

Answer 1

The dilation stage (Stage 1) ends with complete dilation of the cervix. During this stage, which lasts 8–24 hours for a first birth, uterine contractions gradually force the baby's head toward the cervix while the cervix and vagina dilate. Complete cervical dilation marks the transition to the expulsion stage.