Epidural

From drugs to breathing techniques, here's what to know to make your labor as painless as possible.

...Maybe you've already decided that you're going to ask for an epidural as soon as you feel the first...: epidurals, spinals, and combined spinal-epidurals. Regional blocks don't make you woozy. These drugs block...'s the difference between a spinal and an epidural? An epidural is a local anesthetic injected into an area of your...

... as it sounds, my drug-free third labor was far more comfortable -- and empowering -- than my epidural... society. C-sections, inductions, and epidurals are closer to the norm today, and many women consider any... that breaking my water would make my contractions more intense, so I insisted on an epidural. The cascade...

From exercise to water therapy, check out our guide to what helps -- and what doesn't -- on your big day.

Here's the truth about labor -- what's normal, what's not, and what to expect.

Are you pregnant and wondering if you are having a girl or a boy? Take this gender prediction quiz that predicts the gender of your baby!

Stay sane on delivery day by preparing a hospital bag ahead of time. Here is our list of stuff you won't want to forget -- including items from moms who've been there.

From epidurals to spinals, what you must know about your medication options during childbirth.

No one wants to arrive at the hospital too early -- or risk giving birth in the car. So how can you tell the difference between real and false labor? Pay attention to the following classic labor-day signs.

On your delivery day, you want to max out your comfort levels. We've got a list of essentials for you, your labor partner, and your new baby, to make your day as stress - free as possible.

Dads, here's advice for you, from veteran moms who know what really happens during labor -- and how you can help.

Every baby enters the world in a unique way. That's why birth stories are so much fun to hear. So what will your labor be like? Doctors and mothers answer common questions from moms-to-be.

Here's a simple rundown of what happens in a "typical" vaginal birth.

If you want to know what labor is really like, listen to what these new moms have to say about childbirth.

You know you're pregnant, but when exactly will your baby make his big entrance? Use our pregnancy due date calculator to find out.

Just over 10 percent of babies are born pre-term (before 37 weeks). The good news: Early labor can sometimes be stopped with a combo of meds and bed rest. Be on the lookout for these warning signs so you can call your doc ASAP if you think there's a problem.

Can an ancient Chinese calendar really predict the gender of your baby? Take our simple quiz and find out. The results could spill the beans about whether you're having a boy or girl.

How much weight should you gain while you're pregnant? Keep tabs on your pregnancy pounds with our pregnancy weight gain calculator.

Have you ever wondered what your infant will feel while you're in labor? Here's a close look at what babies experience during the birthing process.

From having a baby in water to using acupuncture, here are nine methods, philosophies, and professions to help you give birth on your own terms.

Today a record number of babies -- nearly one in three -- are born via cesarean, and some experts are alarmed by the trend.

Around-the-clock feedings. Nursing troubles. No sleep. No problem. We'll help you through the first crazy days.

We've partnered with the American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine (AIUM), Johns Hopkins, and the March of Dimes to create this unique peak into Baby's development inside the womb. These images reveal all the intricate details of your baby's growth -- from a collection of cells to a full-term newborn. While most women may only receive one or two ultrasounds during pregnancy, which is normal, this slideshow of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy gives you a look at each week of development.

Find out what birth crowning means and what to expect during this stage of labor.

Are you having a boy or a girl? These old wives' tales are a fun (but not scientific!) way to guess the sex of your baby.