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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Here's what happens during each stage of labor – from how long each stage lasts to what you might feel. Labor happens in three stages — early labor and dilation, pushing and delivery, and finally, ...

If you’re pregnant and nearing your due date, you may wonder what your labor will be like. Since every mother is unique and every pregnancy is different, labor can last for hours or even days. Usually ...

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Delivering a baby is hard work. Aptly named labor, the process before childbirth can be physically and emotionally taxing — and even painful. While no two patients experience labor and delivery the ...

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 ...

While pregnancy and having a child are exciting, labor and birth can be a nerve-wracking time, especially if you’re trying to decide which birthing method is best for you. If you’re thinking about ...