The third stage of labor starts immediately after the deliv-ery of the fetus and contains separation and expulsion of the
placenta and membranes. It is the most important time for
the health and wellbeing of both mother and baby, and the
beginning of their special life-long relationship.
[9]
In most
modern obstetric settings, it is now a standard practice to
use drugs that cause the uterus to strongly contract to has-ten the third stage, in an effort to prevent hemorrhage. This
is called active management which includes early clamping
of the cord, and pulling on the cord to deliver the baby’s
placenta quickly. In a spontaneous, unmedicated, uncom-plicated birth, it is reasonable to plan a physiological or nat-ural third stage, without increasing the risk of hemorrhage.
In natural third stage, the baby’s cord is usually not clamped
or cut and the mother and baby stay in SSC, in a warm, non-stimulating birthing environment until after the placenta has
been delivered