GoMidwife Practice Exam 2025 - Free Midwifery Practice Questions and Study Guide

Active labor is characterized by more intense and frequent contractions that lead to cervical dilation. During this phase, contractions typically occur every 3 to 5 minutes and last about 60 seconds. This stage generally occurs when the cervix is dilated between 6 cm and 8 cm, marking significant progress in labor. It is distinct from early labor, which involves less intense contractions and milder cervical changes.

The other options do not accurately encompass the definition of active labor. For example, full dilation to 10 cm represents the end of the active labor stage and the onset of the second stage of labor rather than active labor itself. Transition refers to the phase just before the urge to push begins, which is a part of labor but not the defining feature of active labor. The time when women can start pushing occurs after active labor has progressed, indicating that the birth is imminent, rather than defining the characteristics of active labor.