What is the difference between labor and delivery?

From the Guidelines

Labor and delivery are two distinct phases of childbirth, with labor being the process of cervical dilation and fetal movement, and delivery being the actual birth of the baby and placenta. The key difference between labor and delivery lies in their definitions and durations. Labor is a longer process, often divided into three stages, as described in the study by 1, which involves the gradual shortening and dilatation of the cervix up to 10 cm, followed by the descent of the fetus through the birth canal, and finally, the delivery of the placenta.

Key aspects of labor and delivery:

• Labor can last up to 36 hours in first-time mothers and is shorter in those who have previously had children, as noted in the study by 1.
• The first stage of labor involves cervical dilation, the second stage involves the descent of the fetus, and the third stage involves the delivery of the placenta.
• Delivery, on the other hand, is the actual birth of the baby and placenta, occurring after full cervical dilation, and includes the pushing phase and the delivery of the placenta. Some important points to consider when discussing labor and delivery include the duration and stages of labor, as well as the distinct phases of delivery.

Stages of labor:

• The first stage of labor, as described by 1, involves the gradual shortening and dilatation of the cervix up to 10 cm.
• The second stage of labor involves the descent of the fetus through the birth canal and delivery.
• The third stage of labor comprises the delivery of the placenta. Understanding the distinction between labor and delivery is crucial for expectant parents to recognize where they are in the childbirth process and what to expect next.

From the FDA Drug Label

Oxytocin Injection, USP (synthetic) is indicated for the medical rather than the elective induction of labor. Antepartum Oxytocin Injection, USP (synthetic) is indicated for the initiation or improvement of uterine contractions, where this is desirable and considered suitable, in order to achieve early vaginal delivery for fetal or maternal reasons Postpartum Oxytocin Injection, USP (synthetic) is indicated to produce uterine contractions during the third stage of labor and to control postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage.

The main difference between labor and delivery is the stage of the process.

• Labor refers to the process of uterine contractions that help move the baby down the birth canal, which can be induced or stimulated with oxytocin for medical reasons, as outlined in the indications for oxytocin use 2.
• Delivery refers to the actual birth of the baby, which can occur vaginally or through other means, and may require additional medical interventions, such as control of postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage.

From the Research

Definition and Stages of Labor and Delivery

• Labor is defined as the process by which the uterus contracts to open the cervix and allow the baby to be born 3.
• Delivery refers to the actual birth of the baby and the placenta 3.
• The stages of labor and delivery can be subdivided into different phases, with some studies recognizing three distinct phases (first, second, and third stage of labor) 3, while others identify five phases (onset of labor-like activity, progressive cervical dilatation, descent of the fetal head, active expulsion of the baby, and delivery of the placenta) 3.

Key Differences Between Labor and Delivery

• Labor is the process of the uterus contracting to open the cervix, while delivery is the actual birth of the baby and placenta 4, 5.
• The management of labor and delivery can vary, with some studies suggesting that hospital births, delayed admission, and support by a doula can be beneficial 4, while others argue that medical interventions during labor can increase the risk of operative delivery 5.

Medical Interventions During Labor and Delivery

• Medical interventions during labor, such as oxytocin augmentation, induction, amniotomy, and epidural analgesia, can increase the risk of operative delivery 5.
• However, some studies suggest that epidural analgesia can reduce the risk of cesarean delivery and increase the probability of vacuum extraction 5, 6.
• The timing of medical interventions during labor can also impact the outcome of delivery, with some studies suggesting that delaying interventions until the cervix is more dilated can reduce the risk of operative delivery 5.