The latent stage and the active stage are subdivisions of which stage of labor?

• A. Second stage
• B. First stage
• C. Third stage
• D. Fourth stage

Answer: (B)

Labor is divided into stages, with the first stage focusing on cervical dilation from the start of regular contractions until full dilation. Within this first stage, the dilation process is described in two phases: the latent phase, which is the early, slower opening of the cervix (roughly 0 to about 4 cm, sometimes up to 6 cm) with milder contractions; and the active phase, which is the period of faster dilation from around 4–6 cm to 10 cm, with stronger, more frequent contractions. After full dilation, the second stage begins and lasts until the baby is delivered. The third stage covers delivery of the placenta, and the fourth stage is the immediate postpartum recovery. So, the latent and active phases are subdivisions of the first stage.