Labor & Delivery

You're expecting to give birth soon. But will you know when it's time? Let's learn about some common signs of labor.

Labor, or childbirth, has 3 stages. The first stage is the longest. It can last up to 20 hours, especially if you are having your first child.

Stage 2 starts once your cervix is fully dilated. It ends with the birth of your baby. Stage 3 starts after your baby is born.

Watch this video to learn what inducing labor means and the reasons your doctor may need to induce labor.

Sometimes we need to help your uterus start the process of childbirth. We call this "labor induction." Most often, we do it to avoid danger to your health, or the health of your baby. It does have risks. But we recommend it when the benefits outweigh the risks.

Watch this video to learn what fetal monitoring is and how the procedure is used during labor.

You're likely feeling anxious as your child's birth approaches. This is normal. To give yourself some peace of mind, pack a bag ahead of time. Here's a list of things to remember.

After having a baby, your body may be very tired and it can take time to recover. You may stay in the hospital or birth center from 1 to 4 days. In some cases, you may be able to go home the same day.

Eating healthy and being physically active can get you back in shape. But don't rush it. Take it slowly.

Exercise is great for new moms. It can make your body stronger and give you more energy. It can improve your mood and your sleep. And it can help get rid of stress. Read on for tips on how to exercise safely after having your baby.

Women have a higher risk for DVT during pregnancy, delivery, and for about 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth.

As your body changes during pregnancy, your back must work in new ways. This can be painful if your back isn't prepared.

You'll start to feel strong contractions. That's when the muscles of your uterus tighten up to help push your baby out during birth.

The pelvic floor muscles may weaken due to aging, pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, injury, surgery, chronic cough, or lack of exercise. If the pelvic floor is weak, your bladder and other pelvic organs may sag out of place. The urethra may also open too easily and allow urine to leak out. Kegel exercises can help you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles so they can better support the pelvic organs and control urine flow.

Nonstress and contraction stress tests checks if your baby is getting enough oxygen and nutrients from your blood. Here's what to expect.

Your healthcare provider may describe the progress of your labor in terms of your baby's position and station, as well as by the effacement and dilation of your cervix. Learn more about the 3 stages of labor.

Labor induction is a way to help get your labor started. This can protect your health and your baby's, too.

You may be told to call your healthcare provider when it becomes hard to walk or talk during contractions or if your amniotic sac breaks.

You're almost ready for the big event--your baby's birth. Here's what you need to know about a vaginal delivery.

A birth plan is an outline of your wishes for your labor and birth. This plan helps your healthcare providers know what you want and expect. Work with your healthcare provider to create a plan that leaves room for the unexpected.

Learn about the physical changes that often signal that your baby will soon be born.

After birth, most women shake and get chills. This is over quickly. Your temperature and blood pressure will be watched until they are stable. Sanitary pads absorb the discharge of the uterine lining.

You may be anxious to go home as soon as possible. Before you and your baby go home, a healthcare provider will make sure that your baby has no health problems. You will also be checked to be sure you are healthy enough to take care of your baby and yourself.

You may be excited and anxious about the impending labor and childbirth. You may also wonder how you can help. Learning about the birth process can help you know what to expect. Following the suggestions here can help ease you and the mother through this exciting time.

During active labor, your contractions will be stronger and more rhythmic than with early labor. They peak and subside like waves. They may happen 3 to 5 minutes apart and last about 45 to 60 seconds. Read on to learn more.

Congratulations on your new baby! Diapers won't be the only thing you'll change in the months ahead. Your sense of yourself and how you relate to your partner will also be different. If you have other children, expect some emotional swings, as you and your family try out your new roles.

Helping yourself feel fit is one of the best things you can do for your baby. A little exercise will tone your muscles. You'll feel stronger and more energized. You'll also feel more awake and aware. Don't worry about your weight right now. Your goal is to feel healthy. Here are suggestions to help you do so

This injection of medicine blocks the pain of childbirth. We give it to you through your lower back. After the injection, you'll still be awake and alert. You'll be able to push to deliver the baby.

Watch this video to learn about an epidural as pain management during labor, how it's placed, and pushing with an epidural.

Watch this video to learn about non-drug options for pain relief including The Lamaze Method and Hypnobirthing.

Watch this video to learn about how nitrous oxide can be used for pain management during labor.

When the subject of pain control in labor comes up, most women automatically think of an epidural. While an epidural might provide the most relief, it is not your only choice. There are multiple ways your obstetrics provider can make labor less painful. © TWN (Bundoo)

After giving birth, your body needs time to recover. You may have different kinds of pain in your body that need extra care.

Epidural is a kind of medicine to block pain (anesthetic). It is commonly used during labor and delivery. During an epidural, anesthetic is injected into the area around your lower spine. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist starts the epidural and watches you during your procedure.

There are many ways to manage pain during labor. It can often be done with no anesthesia or strong pain medicines. Talk to your healthcare provider about any choices you would like to explore.

Watch this video to learn what to expect during your hospital stay after giving birth including you and your baby's health, bonding with your baby and fall prevention.

Watch this video to learn the causes of a postpartum hemorrhage, the risks, and when you should get medical help.

This video will illustrate the importance of prenatal education in reaching the full 40-weeks of pregnancy. It will explain the importance of maintaining a proper diet and nutrition, avoiding alcohol, drugs and cigarette smoke and controlling weight gain during pregnancy. It will provide guidance on natural, spontaneous labor that includes getting regular, prenatal checks, knowing warning signs to watch for and understanding the optimal window for brain and respiratory development. In addition, the program will discuss the dangers of using medications to induce labor, including long-term difficulties for children who are born pre-term, encouraging women to accept help and try to enjoy their pregnancies.

Watch this video to learn the fall risks for new moms in the hospital, safety tips, and what steps your hospital can take to keep you safe.

This is when a baby is born early. A full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. A preterm delivery is one that happens before the baby reaches 37 weeks of pregnancy. We say the baby is "premature."

This is the most common way a pregnant woman gives birth. It's when the baby is pushed out through the vagina. Let's learn more about what your body goes through in delivery.

Learn the difference between an early, full, later, or postterm pregnancy. Also, understand that babies who are not yet 39 weeks still have developing and maturation to do, and that is best done in the womb. © TWN (Bundoo)

Understand that a doula is a type of specialist who has been trained to support a laboring woman before, during, and after her birth. © TWN (Bundoo)

This is a small cut you may need when you give birth. It makes the opening of your vagina larger. It speeds up delivery. It helps your baby come out without tearing your vagina. And if a baby is stuck inside you, it makes space for forceps or an extractor.

Understand the role of a midwife and that they are professional caregivers trained to help women deliver their babies. © TWN (Bundoo)

Learn about The Lamaze method, which is a popular childbirth approach that teaches expecting parents strategies for handling pain during labor, potentially reducing unnecessary medical intervention. © TWN (Bundoo)

You're getting ready for your baby's birth, and you have some personal decisions to make. One of these is the type of delivery you want to have. If the thought of a lot of medical help doesn't feel right to you, you may opt for a natural childbirth.

After you give birth, your body needs time to heal. We call this the "postpartum" period. It usually lasts about six weeks. It's important to follow your care plan during this time so you can make a full recovery.

After you give birth, it's normal to focus your energy on your new baby. But it's important to remember your own needs, too. Here are some tips to help you in the days after childbirth.

Understand what is meant by cord tissue and placenta tissue banking, and learn how it is beneficial. © TWN (Bundoo)

Eclampsia is a condition that causes seizures in pregnancy. But it can also cause them during or after childbirth.

Marijuana is now legal in several states in the U.S. But just because it's legal does not mean it's safe. Marijuana use during pregnancy can harm your baby.

Anesthetics may numb only 1 region of your body, or they may let you sleep during surgery. These medicines are given by trained specialists. Whenever possible, regional anesthesia is used so you can be awake during your baby's birth.

If your baby doesn't move into a head-first position on his or her own, your healthcare provider may attempt to do an external version. Your healthcare provider will try to rotate your baby by pressing down on your belly. Your healthcare provider may give you medicine to relax your uterus. This can make it easier for him or her to rotate your baby. During a version, your healthcare provider will use ultrasound to watch your baby.

Certain conditions of pregnancy and childbirth need special care.

This is the delivery of a baby through an incision in your belly. Some c-sections are planned ahead of time. Some are done because of an emergency.

Watch this video to learn about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact after a cesarean section.

After you give birth, your body needs time to heal. We call this the "postpartum" period. It usually lasts about six weeks. It's important to follow your care plan during this time so you can make a full recovery.

It can take time to recover fully after a cesarean. It's important to take care of yourself --both for your own sake and because your new baby needs you.

In most cases, a cesarean section birth is not expected. It may be needed because of concerns about the baby, the mother, or the baby's passage through the birth canal.

When your baby is delivered by C-section, it means the surgeon makes a cut in your belly to reach the infant and remove him or her from the womb. In many cases, a C-section is unexpected. It is done to make sure that you and your baby have the safest birth.

You've had a cesarean section birth. Now you may wonder if you can try vaginal birth with your next baby. It's likely you can. The attempt to have a vaginal birth after cesarean delivery is called a trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC). It's often a success. To find out more about TOLAC, read this health sheet.

Whether a cesarean is scheduled or not, the preparation is nearly the same. Either way, your healthcare team will get you ready for surgery. If you have a partner, he or she can often stay with you for most of this time.

You had a cesarean section, or C-section. During the C-section, your baby was delivered through a surgical incision in your stomach and uterus. Full recovery after a C-section can take time. It's important to take care of yourself — for your own sake and because your new baby needs you. Here are some guidelines to follow at home.