What signifies the end of Stage 4 of labor?

Stage 4 of labor is defined as the time following the delivery of the placenta, and it typically lasts for approximately one to four hours (or as long as it takes for the mother's condition to stabilize). This stage is crucial for monitoring the mother for signs of complications such as excessive bleeding or changes in vital signs, as well as ensuring the bonding process with the newborn is initiated.

The first stage of labor encompasses the onset of contractions leading to complete dilation of the cervix, the second stage involves the delivery of the infant, and the third stage pertains to the delivery of the placenta. While the immediate postpartum period may include stabilization monitoring, it is the duration following these events that defines Stage 4 labor. Thus, characterizing this stage by the time frame post-birth aligns with the standard understanding of labor classification in obstetrics.