A woman is considered ready to deliver a fetus

A) when she begins having Braxton-Hicks contractions.
B) when the cervix is effaced and dilated to 10 centimeters.
C) as soon as the amniotic sac has ruptured.
D) when she reaches stage 3 of childbirth.

The cervix must be effaced and dilated to 10 centimeters for a woman to be considered ready to deliver a fetus. This indicates that the body has prepared for childbirth, allowing the baby to pass through the birth canal. Braxton-Hicks contractions are false labor pains and not indicative of readiness for delivery. The rupture of the amniotic sac (water breaking) is a sign that labor may start soon, but it does not mean the woman is immediately ready to deliver. Stage 3 of childbirth refers to the delivery of the placenta, which occurs after the baby is born.