North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The first stage of labor is characterized by the onset of true labor contractions. This phase begins with the regular contractions of the uterus, which help to soften and thin the cervix in preparation for childbirth. These contractions indicate that the body is starting to actively prepare for delivery.

As labor progresses through the first stage, the contractions become increasingly frequent and intense, leading ultimately to full dilation of the cervix. The first stage can be further divided into early labor and active labor, where true labor contractions are an essential component driving the process.

The other options relate to subsequent stages or events in labor. Complete delivery of the baby refers to the second stage of labor, while delivery of the placenta describes the third stage. Full dilation of the cervix occurs at the culmination of the first stage, but it is the true labor contractions that initially indicate that labor has begun.