Labor and Delivery is the process of expelling the fetus out of the body through the vaginal canal.  In this process the uterus, which is a large muscle, will begin to contract (tighten) in a regular pattern that will last until the baby is out.  These contractions will eventually thin out the lower uterine segment and cervix.  The cervix will dilate (open) and allow the fetus to travel through the vagina to the world with the placenta following behind.  Nurses will monitor the woman's health and ability to cope with the pain, offering guidance with non-pharmacologic pain relief measures, administering pain medication, or assisting with an epidural placement.  The fetus is monitored by listening to the fetal heart rate and identifying if there are periodic patterns that would signify their well-being.  This period lasts until approximately two hours after delivery; vital signs are assessed, repair of perineal tissue, and control of lochial flow also occur at this time.