The first stage of labour | This is from onset of regular and painful contractions until the cervix is fully dilated
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The second stage of labour | This is from full dilation of the cervix until the delivery of the baby
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The third stage | This is from delivery of the baby until delivery of the placenta
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Presentation | This is that part of the fetus that lies in the lower segment of the uterus
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Presenting part | This is that lowest part of the fetus palpable on vaginal examination
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Position of the fetus | This is the relationship of the presenting part relative to the maternal pelvis with reference to what is called the denominator e.g. in a cephalic presentation it is the occiput and in a breech presentation the fetal sacrum e.g. OA occipitoanterior, sacroposterior
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Engagement | This is when the widest diameter of the fetal presenting part enters the maternal pelvis
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Moulding | This is the reduction in diameter of the fetal head caused by the coming together and even overlapping of fetal skull sutures as the head is compressed by the maternal pelvis
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Caput | This is the localised swelling of the fetal scalp due to pressure during labour
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