Pregnancy: Labor & Birth

Getting Ready for Childbirth
One of the many decisions the mother must face is deciding where to have the baby. While the health of the mother and the baby is of utmost importance, the mother should also consider other factors su ...
Preparing for the Hospital
Babies are like dinner guests; most are either early or late but rarely arrive exactly on time. All jokes aside, since babies do not always arrive on the exact date predicted, it is important that the ...
Recognizing False or Real Labor
False labor pains result from Braxton Hicks contractions that may begin from as early as the fourth month in the mother's pregnancy. These erratic contractions of the uterus are completely normal and ...
Signs Requiring Immediate Attention
While most deliveries go through without much complication, the following are some signs that the mother should seek immediate medical assistance: Complication Reason for Concern Vaginal blee ...
Labor - Stage 1
Stage 1: Prelabor, Active Labor and the Transition Period PrelaborAs the mother's body prepares for birth in the last few weeks before the baby is due, a number of signs arise indicating that the moth ...
Labor - Stage 2
Stage 2: DeliveryContractions now will last for at least one minute. When a contraction starts, take a deep breath and push for 10 counts. The mother may grab a quick breath after that, but do not let ...
Labor - Stage 3
Stage 3: The AfterbirthThe third stage of birth involves the detachment of the placenta from the uterus and its expulsion from the birth canal. This stage can last about 10-20 minutes and delivery of ...
Pain Relief
If some form of medical pain relief has been requested, then it is now that an anesthesiologist will visit the mother and set up for the epidural procedure. The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes and ...
Fathers during Labor and Delivery
Father during Labor and Delivery Most women want their partners present during delivery to provide emotional support and encouragement. Many fathers are scared by the prospect of being present for a ...
Childbirth Complications
While every mother enters labor hoping it will be free of complications, some labors and delivieries experience obstetrical or medical complications. Most often these complications involve irregular p ...