Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) Practice Exam

The second stage of labor is defined as the period that begins when the cervix is fully dilated to 10 centimeters and lasts until the baby is born. This stage is characterized by intense contractions, which help to push the baby through the birth canal. During this time, the mother participates actively in the birthing process, following her body’s cues to push effectively. Understanding this stage is crucial for both healthcare providers and expectant mothers, as it signifies the transition from the labor process to the actual birth of the baby, marking a critical moment in obstetric care.

The other options describe different phases related to childbirth but do not accurately define the second stage. The preparation for childbirth, contractions that occur after the baby is born, and the final phase before labor starts do not encompass the active birthing process itself, which is the essence of the second stage of labor.