Table 3.

Definitions of stages and phases of labour and diagnostic criteria for non-progressive labour

Stage of labour	Definition of stage and phase	Diagnostic criteria for non-progressive labour
First stage	From onset of regular contractions leading to cervical dilatation to full dilatation of cervix
Latent phase	Cervix 0 – 3 cm dilatation	The diagnosis is not given in this phase
Active phase	Cervix ≥ 4 cm dilatation	< 1/2 cm dilatation of cervix per hour, assessed over 4 hours
Second stage	From full dilatation of cervix to the child is born
Descending phase	From full dilatation of cervix to strong and irresistible urge to push	> 2 hours without descend; if epidural is administered:> 3 hours
Pushing phase	Strong and irresistible pushing during the major part of the contraction	> 1 hour without progress