Labor and Delivery: Birth Plans, Induction & Tips

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Cervix Dilation Chart: The Stages of Labor Explained in Pictures

During labor, your cervix will dilate to open up the birth canal. Visualize the process with our handy cervix dilation chart, which uses fruit for an easy-to-understand comparison.

Cervical Ripening: Can You Soften Your Cervix for Birth at Home?

Cervical dilation and effacement is necessary for a vaginal birth, but it doesn't always happen like it should. Here's how to encourage cervical ripening with natural at-home methods.

7 Exercises to Induce Labor You Can Do at Home

Certain movements can improve a pregnant person’s alignment and properly position the baby for delivery. Experts share how to do them safely and effectively.

The Lamaze Method: Everything You Need to Know

Lamaze is a childbirth preparation method aimed at building confidence and teaching coping mechanisms for labor. Read more about the natural technique to decide whether it’s right for you.

5 Little Things Partners Can Do in the Delivery Room That Make a Big Difference

There's a lot that goes down in the delivery room that the average expecting parent might not quite expect. I know that from experience as a dad. But I've learned the best thing any partner can do is fully support the person giving birth.

Mother Who Gave Birth While in a Coma and Fighting the Coronavirus Holds Her Baby for the First Time

Mother Who Gave Birth While in a Coma and Fighting the Coronavirus Holds Her Baby for First Time

Angela Primachenko was diagnosed with coronavirus and placed on a ventilator a week before she gave birth.

How to Induce Labor at Home

Our experts weigh in on natural ways to induce labor and reveal which home remedies really work when it comes to speeding things up.

10 Secrets to an Easier Labor

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

How Long After Being Induced Do You Give Birth? Well, That Depends

What Labor Contractions Feel Like From Start to Birth

What Does Labor Feel Like?

The Truth About Due Dates

American Birth Story: The Changing Face of Birth in America

There’s no denying that we are in the midst of a maternal health crisis in this country that started well before the current pandemic. Parents.com investigates how we got here, and what can be done to empower the thousands of expecting mothers heading into the delivery room.