Doula

Answer: B - The third stage of labor begins once the umbilical cord is cut, and ends once the placenta is delivered. The placenta begins to detach from the uterine wall as soon as the baby is born due to the sudden shrinking of the uterus. Continued mild contractions cause the placenta to be expelled. The healthcare provider will examine the placenta to be sure it is intact, as retained placental fragments can cause health problems for the new mother. The early phase of labor happens during the first stage. The birth of the baby marks the end of the second stage. Contractions strengthen over the course of labor, but taper off and are usually mild during third stage.