## Understanding First Stage of Labor Phases **Key Point:** The first stage of labor is divided into three phases: latent, active, and transition. The transition phase extends from 8 cm dilatation until full cervical dilatation (10 cm), NOT 5 cm. ### Correct Statements About First Stage | Feature | Primigravida | Multipara | |---------|--------------|----------| | **Latent phase duration** | 8–12 hours | 5–8 hours | | **Active phase duration** | 6–8 hours | 2–4 hours | | **Transition phase duration** | 1–2 hours | 30 min–1 hour | | **Contraction frequency (active)** | 2–3 per 10 min | 3–5 per 10 min | | **Cervical effacement order** | Precedes dilatation | May occur simultaneously | **High-Yield:** In primigravidas, cervical effacement (thinning) typically occurs BEFORE dilatation begins. This is a classic teaching point tested in NEET PG. ### Why Option 4 Is Incorrect **Clinical Pearl:** The first stage of labor ends when the cervix is **fully dilated (10 cm)**, not at 5 cm. At 5 cm, the patient is transitioning from latent to active phase. The transition phase (8–10 cm) is the most painful and shortest phase. **Mnemonic:** **LATE = Latent At Two Eights** (latent phase: 0–3 cm; active phase: 3–8 cm; transition: 8–10 cm). **Warning:** A common exam trap is confusing the cervical dilatation thresholds. Remember: 10 cm = full dilatation = end of first stage = time to push.
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