From the Guidelines
Labor and delivery are two distinct phases of childbirth, with labor referring to the process of cervical dilation and preparation for birth, and delivery being the actual birth of the baby. The distinction between these two phases is crucial for expectant parents to understand the progression of childbirth. According to the European Respiratory Journal study 1, labor is often divided into three stages, with the first stage involving the gradual shortening and dilatation of the cervix up to 10 cm, which may take up to 36 hours in first-time mothers. Some key points to note about labor and delivery include:
- Labor can last anywhere from hours to days, particularly for first-time mothers
- The first stage of labor involves cervical dilation, the second stage involves the descent of the fetus through the birth canal, and the third stage involves the delivery of the placenta
- Delivery, on the other hand, is the actual birth of the baby, which occurs after complete cervical dilation and typically lasts minutes to a few hours
- Understanding the distinction between labor and delivery helps expectant parents recognize where they are in the childbirth process and what to expect next, as noted in the study 1. Key differences between labor and delivery are:
- Duration: labor is generally longer and more variable in duration, while delivery is typically shorter and more intense
- Purpose: labor prepares the birth passage, while delivery is the culmination of these efforts resulting in the emergence of the baby
- Characteristics: labor involves regular uterine contractions, cervical dilation, and effacement, while delivery involves pushing efforts by the mother to move the baby through the birth canal and out of the body.
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 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.
Stages of Labor
- The stages of labor are typically divided into three phases: the first stage (latent and active), the second stage (descent and expulsion), and the third stage (placental delivery) 3.
- However, some studies suggest that labor can be subdivided into five stages:
- The period between the onset of labor-like activity and the start of progressive cervical dilatation
- The phase of progressive cervical dilatation
- The descent of the fetal head to the pelvic floor
- The active expulsion of the baby
- The period between birth and delivery of the placenta 3.
Key Differences
- Labor is the process that leads to delivery, while delivery is the actual event of giving birth 4, 5.
- The management of labor and delivery can have a significant impact on the outcome of the birth, with some interventions increasing the risk of complications or operative delivery 4, 5, 6.