Answer:
This patient is currently on the latent phase (or early phase) of the first phase of labor.
Explanation:
The first stage of labor is the dilation stage. This stage can also be divided into 2 phases: the latent (in which contractions are still isolated but start to become more coordinated and cervix dilate until 4 cm) and active phase (in which cervix achieve full dilation and contractions are rhythmic (2 or 3 contractions in 10 minutes of 30 seconds each)).
The station establishes the grade of descent of the baby trough the pelvis. At the -3 station, the head of the baby is above the pelvis, and at 0 station, the head is fully engaged (at the bottom of the pelvis). So, this patient’s baby is starting to descent, but still not fully engaged. Â
The second stage of labor is the birth of the baby, and the third, the delivery of the placenta.