Parturition is a more technical term, and is the process of childbirth starting from the earliest onset of regular contractions to the delivery of the baby. It is divided into three stages: The first stage starts with regular contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated. The second stage starts when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the delivery of the baby.
These are some synonyms or closely related terms to Parturition:
- Childbirth
- Labor
- Delivery
This image shows how often the term ‘Parturition’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms:

Parturition is often used interchangeably with these terms, but there are some key differences. Childbirth encompasses the entire process from the start of pregnancy to the delivery of the baby, while labor refers specifically to the contractions and other physical changes that occur during Parturition. Delivery is the final stage of childbirth, when the baby is born.
Parturition can also be used outside of the birth industry to refer more generally to the process of an animal or person giving birth. In this case, it is often used interchangeably with terms like childbirth, labor, and delivery. However, there are some key differences between Parturition and these other terms. Parturition is typically used in technical settings to refer to the entire process from the start of contractions to the delivery of the baby, while childbirth, labor, and delivery can be used more informally to refer to different stages of this process.

Expulsion Stage of Labor
Also called second stage, this is the period of time from full cervical dilation to the delivery of the baby. This stage is marked by intense and often painful contractions as the uterus contracts to push the baby down through the birth canal. Expulsion is a subset of Parturition.
The third stage of labor, also called the placental stage, starts with the delivery of the baby and ends with the delivery of the placenta. This stage is marked by the expulsion of the placenta from the mother’s body.
The fourth stage of labor, also called the postpartum period, starts after the delivery of the placenta and ends when the mother’s body has fully recovered from childbirth. This stage is marked by a gradual return to the mother’s pre-pregnancy state.
Childbirth, also called labor and delivery, is the process of giving birth to a baby. It usually happens in three stages: labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Together, these are Parturition.
Parturition ends the pregnancy and gives you your baby!
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