active labor


ac·tive la·bor

contractions resulting in progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix.

ac·tive la·bor

(ak'tiv lā'bŏr) Contractions resulting in progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix.
Compare: prodromal labor

active labor

Regular uterine contractions that result in increasing cervical dilation and descent of the presenting part. This encompasses the active phase of stage 1, as well as stages 2 and 3 of labor. See also: labor