From: Physiology of Labor

Williams Obstetrics, 24e, 2013

Legend:
Composite of the average dilatation curve for labor in nulliparous women. The curve is based on analysis of data derived from a
large, nearly consecutive series of women. The first stage is divided into a relatively flat latent phase and a rapidly progressive
active phase. In the active phase, there are three identifiable component parts: an acceleration phase, a linear phase of maximum
slope, and a deceleration phase. (Redrawn from Friedman, 1978.)
Date of download: 3/28/2015

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