Preparing for Labor

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.

Get ready for the big day with four simple exercises.

..."Pregnant women who stay in shape tend to have shorter labors," says Tekoa King, a certified nurse... improves endurance, and if you're better able to tolerate labor, you're less likely to end up needing... comfort measures before the big event will help you feel less anxious, which can make for an easier labor...

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.

... their upcoming labor. As obstetricians, we make sure we spend extra time with our patients during the last months... open to more than 10 centimeters wide to accommodate the head. During labor, a birthing mirror can help... your baby is delivered can't be determined until you are actually in labor. We hope that all moms who...

... can get your hands on about labor and birth. But classes and books tend to give you the big picture...-talked-about) scenarios. Who knew that vomiting during labor is normal? I certainly didn't -- until the birth of my... labor). To keep vomiting to a minimum, eat only light foods during the earliest stages of labor...

...They don't call it labor for nothing. Having a baby is hard work, and part of that work is getting... practice for later) and prepare to enter the wide world of pain management. Without Medication... Relaxation "The most important thing you can relax during labor is your mind," says Stacey Rees, a certified...

...The biggest confusion when it comes to labor is that it can be hard to distinguish between false... and real contractions. As you approach your due date, you may feel something labor-like -- namely... of false labor, real contractions are painful. They build in intensity so "you can't walk or talk through...

... know that once labor begins, you may not be able to follow your wish list exactly. You probably know... required less pain medication during labor. "Pushing takes a lot of work," says Marjorie Greenfield, MD..., the easier it's going to be to get through labor and delivery. A 2004 study from the University of California...

Writing a birth plan doesn't mean your delivery will be free of surprises -- but at least you'll be ready for them.

Moms-to-be are busier than ever and devoting time to a pregnancy class can be impossible. However, no matter how prepared you think you are from a quick Internet search, a class provides one-on-one information that can't compare.

Few women who've done it would say that giving birth is easy. But preparing the way helps. Here are some last-minute tips to get ready for your big day.

On your delivery day, you and your partner will want to be as comfortable and prepared as possible. As you pack your own hospital bag, encourage your partner to put together some items of his own! Here's a good list with which to start.

... you can lie down, relax, catch your breath, and prepare for next steps. While you're resting, drink a... 2010 Meredith Corporation. For additional labor resources, be sure to read: ...

...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...

There's a lot to do before giving birth. Here's how to pace yourself and prepare for baby.

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!

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:

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.

... and 50 percent effaced! Does that mean I'll go into labor today? A. In simplest terms, labor...'re halfway there. Your labor contractions will gradually open your cervix to that magical dilation... starting to open up. That's a great sign. However, when you'll actually go into the active labor phase...

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

... the week before the birth, we prepared the house to welcome my labor and this new person. We cleaned like... acupuncture leading up to their birth to help prepare their body for labor, and they also use it during birth... throughout labor and allow labor to progress on its own. A Real Mom's Take: "My prenatal experience...

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

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

Worrying about your labor and delivery is completely normal -- but that doesn't make preparing for the big day any easier! Knowing what to expect, however, can lessen your concerns. Here are answers to many common mom-to-be worries.