labor

Incompetent Cervix: What it Means, What You Can Do

While your baby is growing inside your uterus, it presses down on the opening to the uterus known as the cervix. » Read more

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

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

Dealing With Back Labor

By Nancy Da Silva

Pain is an expected part of labor for the majority of women, though thankfully these days due to the miracle of epidurals, we need not suffer as intensely as our ancestors. » Read more

The Pros and Cons to Home Birth

By Maria T. Pepin

As you prepare for birth, one of the choices you will need to make is where to deliver your baby. Women can choose between a hospital, birthing center or the comfort of their own home. It’s a good idea to research each option in advance and make an informed decision. Interestingly, around 16,000 women each year choose to have their baby at home. » 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

Study Gives a Thumbs Up to Eating During Labor

Would labor be a bit more bearable by savoring your favorite snacks? A recent study is now saying it’s OK to munch away, according to the AFP. The British Medical Journal published a study which found that eating during childbirth did not affect labor length, Caesarean section rates or the need for assisted delivery.  Doctors have discouraged women during labor from snacking out of fear it could result in breathing food into the lungs while under general anesthetic in case an emergency C-section needed to be performed.
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The Benefits of Waterbirthing

By Heather Hill

Considerng a waterbirth? Think about it this way.....Wouldn't a peacful and serene birth, with a relaxed and focused mother be a wonderful way to bring a baby into this world? Having a waterbirth is an option for Mom's who want to give birth naturally. Childbirth is such a powerful experience for a woman. » 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. Even drugs like pitocin do not always work at inducing labor. If your baby and body is not ready, labor will not begin. » Read more