Midwifery and Obstetrics Practice Exam 2025 – The Complete Guide to Mastering Your Exam Preparation!

During the placental delivery phase, several distinct signs indicate that the placenta is coming away from the uterine wall and will soon be expelled. A sudden gush of blood often occurs as the placenta detaches, indicating significant vascular changes. The lengthening of the umbilical cord is typically observed as the placenta descends into the birth canal. Additionally, there may be a change in the shape of the uterus as the placenta separates, usually becoming more globular as it moves downwards.

In contrast, a decreased maternal heart rate is not associated with placental delivery. Instead, heart rate typically remains stable or can be influenced by other factors during labor and delivery, such as anxiety, physiologic changes from the labor process, or even pain management interventions. Thus, recognizing these signs is crucial for health care providers to anticipate the delivery of the placenta effectively.