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Active first stage — DRCOG MCQ

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HardLabourActive first stageDRCOG

A woman at 40 weeks has regular painful contractions and progressive cervical dilatation from 5 cm. What stage of labour is this?

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Correct answer: E — Established first stage with progressive cervical dilatation

The best answer is “Established first stage with progressive cervical dilatation”. Established first stage is defined by regular contractions and progressive cervical dilatation from 4 cm. The former 6-cm threshold is not the NICE definition used here. This classification guides assessment, support, analgesia and monitoring, but management remains individualised to the woman’s place of birth, parity, risk factors and clinical progress.

Reference: NICE NG235: Intrapartum care: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng235/chapter/Recommendations