Select the cues that indicate that an animal is about to give birth. cervix dilates mucus strings from vulva placenta is delivered nesting occurs colostrum is released vulva swells amniotic sac breaks

The four stages of labor:

The first stage of labor

In the first stage of labor the Thinning (effacement) and opening (dilation) of the cervix. This is called effacement and dilation(of the cervix).

The process is explained systematically and its very very simple to say that When the cervix dilation happens and mucus strings from vulva placenta is delivered then the child birth is near.

Explanation:

The first stage of labor has three parts: Early labor:The cervix opens to 4 centimeters. The female will probably spend most of early labor at home. The female should keep herself busy in doing her usual activities. Relax, rest, drink clear fluids, eat light meals if she wants to, and keep track of her contractions. Active labor: The cervix opens from 4 to 7 centimeters. This is when the female should head to the hospital. When she has contractions every 3 to 4 minutes and they each last about 60 seconds, it often means that the cervix is opening faster (about 1 centimeter per hour).  Transition to second stage: The cervix opens from 7 to 10 centimeters. For most women, this is the hardest or most painful part of labor. This is when the cervix opens to its fullest.Second stage of laborThe baby moves through the birth canal

The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is completely dilated (open), and ends with the birth of the baby. Contractions push the baby down the birth canal, and the female may feel intense pressure, similar to an urge to have a bowel movement.

Third stage of laborAfterbirth: The uterus continues to contract to push out the placenta (afterbirth).Fourth stage of laborRecovery:Nursing right after the birth of the baby will help the uterus to contract and will decrease the amount of bleeding.