More in Signs of Labor
3 Signs That You May Be in Labor
... trickle of musty fluid is a major sign that your membranes have ruptured and that labor has begun. What...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...
How to Recognize Early Labor Symptoms
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.
5 Signs That You're in Labor
..., this can be a sign that you're experiencing "back labor," which happens to nearly one third of women...Even moms who've been through it before can't always tell when labor is starting. That's because... many of the early signs are vague and easily misinterpreted: Are those cramps real contractions...
Signs of Approaching Labor
... in labor: They're irregular and will subside after a time. They won't increase in strength or frequency... lower back pain you do feel is not persistent. This is often called "false labor." Although the real... work of labor hasn't begun, you can rest assured that your baby is getting ready to make his or her...
What No One Tells You About Labor
... 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... in blood pressure. "An early sign of this is nausea and vomiting," says David J. Birnbach, M.D., spokesman...
Understanding Braxton Hicks Contractions
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.
Labor Signs
... into active labor. Beyond that, the surest sign that you're really, truly, no kidding, actually in labor...You may have already noticed prelabor signs. These have probably included an increase in Braxton... over time. During this first stage of labor, the cervix thins, or effaces, and then dilates about 1...
New Moms Describe What Labor Is Really Like
...When we asked new moms to describe what labor felt like, we received almost 500 responses.... In the course of describing labor pain, your answers hit on many similar themes -- how the experience compared... was in labor or if I was having Braxton Hicks contractions. My symptoms did not fit into either category. I had...
10 Secrets to an Easier Labor
..."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...
Am I in Labor?: Our Stage-by-Stage Guide to Giving Birth
... bloody discharge, called "show." Remember that not all women experience all of these signs of labor, so... -- a fairly broad span -- there's no way to pinpoint when labor will begin. "Not knowing makes some... emotional and physical support to women in labor. If you're a first-time mom, you may not even realize when...
Gender Prediction Quiz
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!
Q&A: I'm Dilated -- Will I Go Into Labor Today?
... starting to open up. That's a great sign. However, when you'll actually go into the active labor phase... 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...
6 Things to Expect from Labor & Delivery
...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...
8 Ways to Manage Labor Pain
...They don't call it labor for nothing. Having a baby is hard work, and part of that work is getting...
"The most important thing you can relax during labor is your mind," says Stacey Rees, a certified nurse... makes the pain worse, which makes you tense up more. Cardoso had back labor for 21 hours with her first...
A Baby's View of Birth
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.
Your Pregnancy To-Do List
Between preparing for baby and staying as healthy as possible, you have a lot to think about for the next nine months. Follow our week-by-week to-do lists to make it easy.
Third Trimester: Images of Your Developing Baby
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 3rd trimester of pregnancy gives you a look at each week of development.
6 Delivery-Day Jitters
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.
Your Changing Body Week-by-Week
From the time of conception until the time you give birth, your body is going to go through some major changes. Find out what to expect with our week-by-week look at your changing body.
