Stages of Labor

A 28-year-old primigravida at 39 weeks gestation presents to the labor ward with regular uterine contractions every 3–4 minutes. On examination, the cervix is 3 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and the fetal head is at −2 station. The patient reports pain in the lower abdomen and back. Vital signs are stable, and the fetal heart rate is 140 bpm with normal variability. What stage of labor is this patient currently in?

A 32-year-old multiparous woman (G3P2) at term presents to the labor ward in active labor. On examination, the cervix is 8 cm dilated, 100% effaced, and the fetal head is at 0 station. She reports severe pain with a strong urge to bear down with each contraction. Uterine contractions occur every 1–2 minutes and last 60–90 seconds. The fetal heart rate is 138 bpm with good variability. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A 32-year-old multiparous woman at 40 weeks gestation is admitted for induction of labor due to gestational diabetes. On examination, the cervix is unfavorable (Bishop score 5). Which drug is the preferred first-line agent for cervical ripening in this patient?

A 28-year-old primigravida at term presents to the labour ward in active labour. On examination, the cervix is 6 cm dilated, 80% effaced, and contractions are occurring every 3 minutes lasting 45 seconds. Which is the most common cause of prolonged labour in the first stage in this patient?

A 32-year-old multiparous woman is in the second stage of labor. Regarding the physiological and clinical characteristics of the second stage, all of the following are true EXCEPT: