Osteopathic Diagnosis of the Pelvic Region

Labor is the normal physiologic process defined as uterine contractions resulting in dilatation and effacement of the cervix, which culminates in expulsion of the fetus and the products of conception. Labor has 3 stages: the 1st stage starts with the onset of regular contractions, the 2nd stage starts with full cervical dilation, and the 3rd stage starts immediately after fetal delivery and ends with delivery of the placenta. The primary factors required for labor to progress normally are the three Ps: power (uterine contractions), passenger (the fetus), and passage (the maternal pelvis). Labor may become abnormally protracted and require augmentation, usually with oxytocin, to prevent maternal and fetal complications.

The components of the human nervous system weigh about 4.5 lb in total, which accounts for approximately 3% of the entire body weight. The nervous system is a small and complex system that consists of an intricate network of neural cells (or neurons) and even more glial cells (for support and insulation). The system is divided according to its anatomical components as well as its functional characteristics. The brain and spinal cord are referred to as the central nervous system, and the branches of nerves from these structures are referred to as the peripheral nervous system.