First Stage of Active Labor

When the first stage of labor begins, the cervix responds to hormonal changes and contractions start to take on a more patterned interval. Cervical dilation and bloody show will be present as well. ... read more »

Is This True Labor or Braxton Hicks Contractions?

Are these Braxton Hicks or real contractions? ... read more »

How to Survive the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy in 12 Steps

The 3rd trimester, the last 12 weeks of the pregnancy, is important because significant issues can arise during this time. ... read more »

Why Do I Have Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?

One of the most concerning for many pregnant women is pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can be attributed to more than just the weight of the uterus and fetus and it is not always associated with labor. ... read more »

Pushing Tips

You can take classes, watch movies and ask questions about pushing, but until you are in active labor, you won't know exactly how strong the pressure and the need to push really is. Learning some tips for effective pushing can help lt lessen the time spent in labor. ... read more »

Breathing Exercises

Most people associate breathing exercises with helping to ease pain from contractions, but it also provides increased oxygen levels to the baby who is in state of stress as well. ... read more »

Will I Poop When I Push During Labor and Childbirth?

Women have many concerns during pregnancy regarding the dreaded fear of pooping while pushing. This is why it is important to understand the facts around this as well as a few tips that can help. ... read more »

Third Stage of Labor

Giving birth to a new baby is about more than just active labor, contractions and pushing. The placenta needs to pass out of the uterus and vagina after delivery. ... read more »

Second Stage of Active Labor

The second stage of active labor is when you finally get to react to those strong contractions. As the second stage of active labor begins you will feel the need to push. ... read more »

Labor Contractions Timer Tool

The babyMed Labor Contractions Timer Tool allows you to follow your contractions as labor begins and as it progresses toward delivery. When timing labor contractions, start counting from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next. Follow your contractions and calculate everything about them: How long they last, how far apart they are and how frequent they become. This counting tool automatically calculates the number of contractions, length, interval, and other important information. ... read more »

Prelabor Preparation

Weeks before real labor begins, the pregnant woman's body starts preparing for birth.  Most of these changes will go unno ... read more »

Premature Contractions

Are premature contractions a problem? ... read more »

Pregnancy Milestones to Look For in Each Trimester

The pregnancy trimester is like a goal each pregnant woman has. During each pregnancy trimester there are milestones women achieve in their pregnancy. ... read more »

Braxton Hicks Contractions And False Labor

Braxton Hicks contractions aka false labor pains are the body's way of preparing for birth. For new moms and seasoned mothers-to-be alike, it can be difficult to know if labor is beginning or not. ... read more »

Labor Contractions

Labor contractions are the body's way of saying, 'Let's get ready tohave a baby!' and are caused by hormones in the body. Labor contractions come in three forms: false, practice and activelabor. ... read more »

When Should I Head To The Hospital?

The first stage, when mom starts feeling real labor pains, can last between 10 and 14 hours. Once through this first stage, it is time for mom to head off to the hospital. ... read more »

Warm Water and Fetal Safety

Taking warm baths can help relieve tension and pain throughout pregnancy, but too warm could lead to birth defects and lack of oxygen to the baby. ... read more »

How To Deal With Delivery Room Guests

Guests in the delivery room are a topic couples should discuss well before labor begins. How many people do you want around during labor? Is there a difference for you between labor guests and guests who you want to experience the active pushing phase? ... read more »

How Do I Know: True Labor vs False Labor

As the end of your pregnancy approaches, you will notice contractions from time to time. These contractions are often referred to as Braxton Hicks or practice contractions. ... read more »

Cervical Changes in Labor

The cervix is the gateway to baby. During pregnancy, a plug covering the cervix works like a cork holding the umbilical sac and fetus in place in the uterus. As labor approaches, hormonal changes cause the plug to release starting the beginning stages of labor. ... read more »

Blue-Light Goggles in Development to Prevent Preterm Labor

Approximately 35% of all infant deaths in the US are linked to preterm labor. These grim statistics have led one professor on a quest to find a safe and effective way to prevent preterm labor. ... read more »

Can An Orgasm Induce Labor?

The topic of orgasm during pregnancy is actually quite controversial and in the past, it was thought that orgasms could trigger preterm labor. ... read more »

Labor Contractions: How Do I Know It's Labor?

It's a fact. Most women got through labor in preparation for delivering the baby. But why is it happening and how do you know you are in labor? ... read more »