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 ...

Do the mysteries of what to expect during labor and delivery have you feeling anxious? You can relax a little bit when you have insider tips from the pros — and the moms who’ve been there. From signs ...

Like your pregnancy, your labor is broke into three stages: the first, the second, and the third stage. However, each stage of labor is different, leaving first time moms nervous about the unknown. So ...

An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Your pregnancy culminates in what can be a very long labor, full of notoriously painful contractions. According to the NIH, there are three stages ...

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 ...

Being pregnant and actually going into labor are two very different things — once you go into labor, whatever hardships your pregnancy presented immediately feel insignificant because you realize it's ...

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 ...

What happens: During this stage, your cervix dilates. Early on, contractions may be mild, but become more intense and closer together during active labor. During early or active labor, your water may ...