labor

Effacement and Dilation Explained

In the final weeks of pregnancy, an expectant mother’s body begins its natural preparation for labor and delivery. Among the early signs of labor are effacement and dilation, important changes that occur to the cervix and work together to make it possible for the baby to safely and smoothly come out of its mother’s uterus.  » 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

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

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

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Braxton Hicks contractions are the irregular intermittent contractions that occur during pregnancy. They typically begin around the 20th week of pregnancy, but may begin earlier for women who have had previous pregnancies. Braxton Hicks contractions are described by some as a tightening feeling. Some women describe them as being similar to menstrual cramps. » Read more

Labor and Childbirth Myths

You’ve been waiting nine long months, and your big day is almost here. But what should be a joyful time of giving birth has become clouded by myths about labor and delivery. How do you know what to believe when you have so many people telling you different things? Here are some of the most common myths about labor and childbirth, and the reality behind them: » Read more

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