birth

Bloody Show: What Is It, and What Does It Mean?

When you hear about seeing a “bloody show” at the end of your pregnancy, it sounds as if you are in for something dramatic and gory. But it’s not dangerous or necessarily a sign that something has gone wrong; and in fact, many women never experience it. » Read more

Five Reasons to Skip the Birth Plan and Go With the Flow

Nearly every expectant mom considers drawing up a birth plan at some point, and there are certainly many benefits if you take the time to do so. If nothing else, it will give you an opportunity to think through and talk about all of the various choices you have. » Read more

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is a fear of many expectant mothers. Preterm labor is defined as labor that occurs after 20 weeks but before 37 weeks of pregnancy. » Read more

Signs of Labor

As you approach the last weeks of pregnancy, you may wonder when labor will begin, whether symptoms you may be having could be the start of labor, and when you should call your doctor or head to the hospital. There will be many signals your body will give you to let you know you are preparing for labor. Below is a list of some of the most common signs of labor. » Read more

Natural Ways to Induce Labor

As you reach the end of your pregnancy, you may begin looking for natural ways to induce labor. Please keep in mind that you should not use any of these methods until you are past your due date. No method is guaranteed to work. » Read more

Losing Your Mucous Plug

What is the mucous plug (or mucus plug)? The mucous plug is a collection of cervical mucus that seals the opening of the cervix. It keeps bacteria and infection from entering into the cervix, providing a protective barrier for the developing baby. » Read more

Did my water break? Water Breaking Signs

Amniotic fluid surrounds your baby during pregnancy. Towards the end of pregnancy, the amount of collagen decreases in the chorion, the outer layer of the bag of water. Collagen is a fibrous connective tissue. It can be found in cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Collagen helps to strengthen the chorion providing extra protection to the amniotic membrane. » Read more

Ten Tips for Surviving an Overdue Pregnancy

Your belly is huge, your due date has passed, and yet little Susie or Johnny has shown no interest in moving out of his or her cozy home. Your due date is calculated by counting forward 280 days from the start of your last menstrual period. Your due date is only an estimate of when your baby should come and is often off by a number of days. » Read more

Kids in the Delivery Room

Having your older children with you in the delivery room while you give birth is not such a radical idea. Not too many generations ago, babies were born at home with the help of a family doctor or midwife, and childbirth was simply a fact of life for older siblings. » Read more

Birthing Alone: Single Moms Can Have a Great Birth Too!

If you are preparing to become a mother, you are about to learn how incredibly strong you really are. You will endure all of the physical demands of labor, delivery, and recovery; and you will have a love for your child that is more powerful than you could ever imagine. Of course most women would prefer to go through the birthing process with a partner at her side. » Read more