Management of Normal Labor By Raul Artal-Mittelmark, MD, Saint Louis University School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised May 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Fetal Monitoring Topic Resources Leopold maneuver Fetal Monitoring Definitions The Vaginal Exam in Labor Overview of Managing the... Overview of Stages of Labor Labor consists of a series of rhythmic, involuntary or medically induced contractions of the uterus that result in effacement (thinning and shortening) and dilation of the uterine cervix.