Join   Sign In  
 

Labor and Delivery

 

You have nine months to look forward to, wonder and worry about your upcoming labor and delivery. As your pregnancy progresses, you'll start to wonder if even the slightest hiccup is a hint you need to grab your go-bag and head to the car.

Reading up on what to expect during childbirth will help you identify signs to determine, "Am I in labor?" Gaining insight now is a good way to calm your nerves and prepare you and your loved ones for when the time really does come. Understanding the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and real ones can save you a trip to the hospital and reduce your overall stress levels around your delivery.

Look into the stages of labor so you are ready to endure them and can judge your progress along with your doula, midwife or doctors. It's also helpful to learn what labor feels like. This will inform your birth plan and decisions on potential labor medications and positions. Knowledge is power, plus it will help you and your partner remain as relaxed as possible during on your big day.

During the first stage of labor, you'll start with short contractions that will grow longer and closer together. Next, your cervix will dilate and you will have to decide about pain relief. Finally, you'll push with your contractions and give birth to your newborn son or daughter. This process typically takes hours, but varies greatly from one woman to the next.

Articles

Understanding the Stages of Labor

What to Expect in Childbirth

What Does Labor Feel Like?

Am I in Labor?

How Will I Know I Am in Labor?

All About Premature Labor

Top Medications to Manage Labor Pain

What Really Happens During Labor

Giving Birth in a Hospital: What You Need to Know

Tips on Having a Water Birth

16 Questions to Ask During Labor & Delivery

10 Ways for Dealing with Labor Pain

10 Ways to Kick-Start Labor Naturally

Tips on Assisted Child Birth Delivery

10 Things to Know About Circumcision

Tears and Episiotomy in Child Birth

First Moments with Your Newborn

Pain Medications for Labor

What Is a Apgar Score?

After a C-Section: What to Expect After Birth

Tips for a Successful C-Section Recovery

 

Congratulations! You are pregnant and your body is beginning to go through the many changes of the next nine months. Pregnancy is such an exciting time but it is still important to lean what to expect in the weeks to come, your baby's growth and development along with your physical changes.

Explore Pregnancy

Week By Week Milestones
What to Expect by Week Birth Planning
Pregnancy Trimesters Labor & Delivery
Twins & More Preparing for Baby
Healthy Pregnancy Pregnancy Fun
Prenatal Care Baby Shower
Food & Drink Baby Registry
Pregnancy Concerns Baby Gender
Mom Concerns Pregnancy Quiz
Working While Pregnant Pregnancy Photography
Stillbirth & Misscarriage Pregnancy Style
Baby Name Search
Search baby names by letter
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Search by:

You Might Like