CPM Certified Professional Midwife

Answer: D - 4th stage

The fourth stage is also called the stage of observation. This stage of labor requires observation of the postpartum patient for at least one hour after expulsion of the after - birth. During this time period, the general condition of the patient and behavior of the uterus need to be carefully monitored. Only when the pulse and BP are steady, the uterus is well contracted, and the patient’s general condition is good, should the status of the patient be determined as “safe”.