During which stage of labor does the delivery of the placenta occur?

The delivery of the placenta occurs during the third stage of labor. This stage is defined as the period that follows the birth of the baby and involves the separation and expulsion of the placenta from the uterine wall. This stage typically begins once the baby is delivered and can last anywhere from a few minutes to about 30 minutes, although it may take longer in some cases.

During the third stage, the uterus contracts to facilitate the separation of the placenta from the endometrium. Once it has detached, it is expelled through the vagina. Health providers monitor for this process to ensure that it happens effectively, as retained placental tissue can lead to complications such as hemorrhage or infection.

Understanding the stages of labor is crucial for both patient care and education, as each stage has specific characteristics, physiological changes, and clinical implications that healthcare providers must be aware of during childbirth.