labor (redirected from postmature labor)

labor /la·bor/ (la´ber) [L.] the function of the female by which the infant is expelled through the vagina to the outside world: the first stage begins with onset of regular uterine contractions and ends when the os is completely dilated and flush with the vagina; the second extends from the end of the first stage until the expulsion of the infant is completed; the third extends from expulsion of the infant until the placenta and membranes are expelled; the fourth denotes the hour or two after delivery, when uterine tone is established.

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artificial labor  induced l.

dry labor  that in which the amniotic fluid escapes before the onset of uterine contractions.

false labor  see under pain.

induced labor  that brought on by mechanical or other extraneous means, usually by the intravenous infusion of oxytocin.

missed labor  that in which contractions begin and then cease, the fetus being retained for weeks or months.

postmature labor , postponed labor that occurring two weeks or more after the expected date of confinement.

precipitate labor  that occurring with undue rapidity.

premature labor  expulsion of a viable infant before the normal end of gestation; usually applied to interruption of pregnancy between the twenty-eighth and thirty-seventh week.

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la·bor (lbr)

n.

The physical efforts of expulsion of the fetus and the placenta from the uterus during parturition.

v.

To undergo the efforts of childbirth.

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Labor

The process during which the uterus contracts, and the cervix opens to allow the passage of a baby into the vagina.

Mentioned in: Placenta Previa, Placental Abruption

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labor

Etymology: L, work

the time and the processes that occur during parturition from the beginning of cervical dilation to the delivery of the placenta. Also spelled labour. See also birth, cardinal movements of labor, station.

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labor, abnormal.

See dystocia.

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labor

the function of the female organism by which the product of conception is expelled from the uterus through the vagina to the outside world.

Labor may be divided into three stages. The first stage (dilatation) begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions and ends when the cervical os is completely dilated and flush with the vagina, thus completing the birth canal. The second stage (expulsion) extends from the end of the first stage until the expulsion of the neonate is completed. The third stage (placental) extends from the expulsion of the neonate until the placenta and membrane are expelled and contraction of the uterus is completed. Called also parturition.

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difficult labor

see dystocia.

induced labor

that which is brought on by extraneous means, e.g. by the use of drugs that cause uterine contractions; called also artificial labor.

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labor

Parturition Obstetrics The physiologic process that results in the expulsion of a conceptus and placenta from the uterus via the cervix and vagina. See Back labor, False labor, Prechaotic labor, Precipitate labor, Prolonged labor Vox populi Work. See Child labor.