What is the duration of Stage 3 of labor?

Stage 3 of labor is specifically defined as the time period that follows the birth of the infant and ends with the delivery of the placenta. This stage is crucial because it involves the continued contractions of the uterus, which help to detach the placenta from the uterine wall and facilitate its expulsion.

Typically, this stage lasts a short duration, often taking anywhere from a few minutes up to about 30 minutes, although it can sometimes take longer. Recognizing this stage is important in the context of maternal care, as it helps healthcare providers monitor for any potential complications, such as retained placenta.

The other choices reflect different aspects of the labor process but do not correctly define the third stage. For example, the first choice describes the entire duration of labor up to the birth of the infant, while the fourth choice refers to the time it takes for the cervix to fully dilate, which is related to the first stage of labor. The third choice mistakenly identifies a post-birth timeframe that is not relevant to the defined stages of labor.