Labour & Delivery

Many expectant mothers have visions of spontaneously going into labor and rushing into the hospital moments before delivering. However, many find that this scene plays out a lot differently than they had imagined.

My 3rd pregnancy was a complicated one - with gestational diabetes, preterm labor at 30 weeks, 7 weeks of bedrest, magnesium sulfate and Brethine to stop the contractions. All I could do was hope for one more day...and to top it off I was hoping for a VBAC...

Labor is separated into three distinct phases, early, active and transition. Each phase has its own distinct characteristics.

Labor is separated into three distinct phases, early, active and transition. Each phase has its own distinct characteristics.

Laboring is a painful process, but there are methods of easing the pain, and making it easier.

The popularity of home births is growing, and with good reason. A home birth offers expectant parents a familiar and warm place to experience the miracle of birth.

In Part One of Your Labor & Delivery Glossary Of Terms, I went over some of the basic terminology that you may hear from your doctor during labor. However, there is even more terminology to familiarize yourself with!

Knowing the basic terminology can help an expectant mom ask better questions at her prenatal appointments, and even during labor and birth.

For expectant mothers, distinguishing the difference between real labor and false labor can be tricky, and sometimes difficult.

Taking a tour of your birthing center or hospital is an important part of preparing for your impending labor and delivery.