What does the third stage of labor involve?

The third stage of labor specifically involves the separation of the placenta from the uterine walls and its expulsion from the body. This phase follows the delivery of the baby, which is the focal point of the second stage of labor. During the third stage, healthcare practitioners focus on ensuring that the placenta is delivered completely, as retained placental tissue can lead to complications such as excessive bleeding and infection.

While reducing maternal bleeding is an important aspect of postpartum care, it pertains to the overall management of the mother after the baby and placenta have been delivered, rather than being a specific focus of the third stage itself. Monitoring vital signs of the newborn, although crucial, mainly occurs after the birth and does not pertain to the third stage of labor. Therefore, the correct answer centers on the physiological process of placenta separation and expulsion, which is the defining characteristic of this stage in the labor process.