What sign indicates the end of stage one of labor?

• A. Delivery of the baby
• B. Cervix fully dilated to 10 cm
• C. Placenta delivery
• D. Maternal recovery begins

Answer: (B)

The end of stage one of labor is indicated by the cervix being fully dilated to 10 cm. This dilation allows for the passage of the baby through the birth canal during stage two of labor. During stage one, the focus is on the dilation of the cervix, which is crucial for preparing for delivery.

Once the cervix reaches full dilation, it signifies that the first stage of labor has concluded, and the process of delivering the baby can begin. This stage typically includes the latent phase, where the cervix gradually opens, and the active phase, where dilation accelerates. The other options presented, such as the delivery of the baby or the placenta, pertain to later stages in the labor process. Maternal recovery signifies after the baby has been delivered and the placenta expelled, which occurs in the third stage of labor. Therefore, full dilation to 10 cm is the definitive sign that stage one has completed.