Labor & Delivery

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

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

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

Only 5 percent of women give birth when they think they will. Read on to find out when your baby will make his appearance.

...Q: How long does labor last, and will I feel pain the whole time? A: Much of labor is spent... in "early labor". During this phase, it is best to be at home where you can walk, sleep, or snack. During... active labor, contractions become regular and painful, and the cervix dilates. Normal dilation during...

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.

The five most common clues that help you recognize it's time to head to the delivery room.

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.

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.

... elements into the delivery room. If you're relaxed, your labor may progress more quickly. Also, consider... in the Water to Help Ease the Pain of Contractions Most labor and delivery rooms have showers, some have... Some Cool Tunes Music is another fantastic labor tool. Most labor and delivery rooms have a television...

Learn to recognize the telltale signs that baby is coming.

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

Are you very close to delivering your baby? Take our quiz and find out if you're showing the signs of approaching labor!

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.

Learn why your doctor may decide to induce you and which methods she has to choose from.

Educate yourself about your options for delivery day and create a birth plan with this handy checklist.

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.

.... active phase c. transition phase 2. Second Stage: Pushing and Birth 3. Third Stage: Delivery... of course it can be much longer or much shorter. For moms who've given birth before, the average labor... and delivery lasts around 8 hours. This first step in the journey toward childbirth lasts an average of 6...

Find out what it means to go into labor and when you should start preparing.

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.

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!

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.

...It's normal to be nervous about labor. Fear of the unknown, along with stories shared by well..., of Springfield, New Jersey, used to have nightmares of being carted off to the delivery room screaming in agony... at the University of Rochester Medical Center. This is true particularly for first-time moms. (First-time labor...

Outlines available in books and on the Internet can help you compose a birth plan, but don't feel compelled to cover everything. Your caregivers will have time to read only a short list. Here, the main considerations:

Are you in labor or are you merely experiencing practice contractions or Braxton Hicks contractions? Find out how to tell the difference -- and what to expect.