You've made it through nine(ish) months of pregnancy, and now the big day has arrived: Your baby's birthday! You might be eager to take on the stages of labor, or you may be nervous about what's to ...

In preparation for the birth of your baby, your cervix effaces (thins and stretches) and dilates (opens) so your baby can fit through the birth canal. This cervical ripening can begin days or even ...

There may be twists and turns as your labor unfolds. But knowing what you might encounter can help you navigate this exciting but potentially challenging experience. Credit...Shawna X Supported by By ...

After months of anticipation, your baby's due date is near. Here's what you can expect from the start of labor until the first days and weeks with your new baby. No one can predict with certainty when ...

The cervix dilates (opens) during the first stage of labor to prepare for the baby's birth. Cervical dilation is measured from 1 to 10 centimeters. You are ready to push and deliver when the cervix ...

Stage 1: up until descent of the fetal head to the pelvic floor Stage 2: active expulsion of the baby Stage 3: expulsion of the placenta Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) refers to excessive blood loss ...

Under normal conditions, a mother is pregnant for about 38 weeks before entering labor, the process of delivering her baby. As labor begins, the mother's body produces large quantities of the hormone ...

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Labour is often described as a life-changing experience that can also lead to unpredictable outcomes. You might wonder about how to understand normal labour or whether something is taking longer than ...