Your baby is here! You've heard a first cry! The announcement of boy or girl has been made. The first test, the Apgar, has been administered and everything is great, but there's more. What can you expect to happen? How might you feel? Find out!

After hours or even weeks of non-productive pre-labor contractions, your body may begin to have rhythmic contractions that seem "different" to you. Are they the real thing? Read on for confirming sypmtoms and things to do while you're waiting.

Four things mark the beginning of transition for me. First, I am done. I really can't do this today. I'm ready to go home and come back another day and finish having this baby... How might transition affect you? Read on and develop your own game plan for this stage.

Wondering if today is the day? What's the difference between dilation and effacement? Braxton-Hicks or the real thing? If you've lost your mucus plug will labor start right away? Learn more about the changes your body makes as it prepares for and begins labor.

Water is soothing, comforting, relaxing... Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Many moms find laboring in the water is more comfortable. A water birth emulates the environment of the womb which might ease the stress of birth. Sound good? Learn how you can prepare for a water birth.

Going through the birth of your child is a wonderful and unique experience. No two deliveries are alike and there is no way to tell how your delivery is going to be. What we can tell you is the stages you will go through during the birthing process and what you can generally expect.

The closer you get to the end of your pregnancy, the more you will hear about "being effaced," "effacing," or "effacement." What is your provider talking about when she says you are 70% effaced? Read more and find out!

Epidural anesthesia is the most popular means for pain relief during labor. In fact, more women ask for an epidural by name than any other method of pain relief. The possible benefits and potential risks of an epidural are explained in this article so you can decide if this option is right for you.

There are a number of different techniques that can be used when you choose to birth without using any medical interventions. The following is list of techniques that have been used for many years in aiding with natural birth.

In today's birthing atmosphere, we have to be proactive in getting what we want for our own labors -- you'll be wise not to give up the responsibility for the decisions made in your labor to others, because if you do, it is unlikely you will have the birth experience you so want for yourself and your baby.

What most expectant parent don't realize is that they truly are in charge of their baby's birthing. They get to choose the way the labor and birth go, as well as their baby's care after birth. It is no different than any other service that you pay for, except that it is much more important.

Perineal massage is the gentle stretching and massaging of the skin between the anus and vagina (perineum) during the last few weeks of pregnancy. This massage has been shown to reduce the incidence of episiotomy and perineal tears during birth.

As our understanding of anatomy, modern medicine, the mechanics of childbirth, and technology have significantly increased, more and more women are exploring the idea of a home birth with trained midwives or nurse-midwives for low-risk, healthy, normal pregnancies. This article will help increase your understanding as you move toward an informed decision.

If you're looking for more personal, less rushed care during your pregnancy, you may want to consider a midwife. The midwives' model of care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. She usually offers a variety of options and seeks to eliminate or minimize unnecessary interventions. Read on to learn more about midwifery care.

The word doula is a Greek word that means "Women's Servant." Women have been serving other women in childbirth for centuries and have proven that this support from another woman has positive effects on the labor process. When a doula was present, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and reported having a more positive childbirth experience.

What happens when you arrive at the hospital? How long will labor last? What can I expect after baby is born? Knowing what to expect when it comes time for labor and delivery can help ease any anxiety you may have about the birth process, especially if this is your first baby. Reviewing these facts will help, as taking advantage of childbirth classes.

Even though you've been anticipating the birth of your baby for several months, it may be difficult to tell when labor actually begins. People say, "you'll just know", but that's hardly reassuring. In fact you might feel like rolling your eyes! You will need to interpret your body's changes as labor approaches. Although every woman's pregnancy is unique there are a number of signals your body is gearing up for labor.

Now that your baby's here, what can you expect from the hospital staff? Along with caring for you and your baby after birth, the hospital staff can answer any questions you may have, help you and your partner get to know your newborn, and build your confidence as your baby's caregivers and parent.

In cases of Rh incompatibility, a baby's red blood cells have a substance called the Rh D factor, and the mother's blood cells do not. In medical terms, the baby is Rh positive and you are Rh negative. If some of the baby's red blood cells leak into your system, your body may produce antibodies to the Rh D factor. These antibodies can affect your unborn baby or the next Rh-positive baby you have.

Approximately 20 percent of births in the United States are done by cesarean section. Every woman, no matter how simple her pregnancy, faces the possibility that her labor could end in a C-section.

You were born Monday June 3rd, 2002, Wow! I thought something might be up when I was having contractions Sunday at church. I'd only had them at night before. Well, my water broke about 5:30 am. The contractions were about 10 minutes apart and 20-30 seconds long.

When my midwife said it could be this weekend or three weeks, I figured three weeks. All along I had pretty much counted on being late (first baby and all). Friday night I couldn't sleep. My cramps were hurting really bad. I got up at 6:00 a.m., thinking "I can't handle this for two more weeks!" As I was talking to my friend, I felt this pop and all this water came out! My water broke!

Want to make your birthing experience faster and easier? Would you just love to avoid an arduous and prolonged second stage of labor? If so, just spend a few minutes a day doing some simple pelvic exercises beginning in your 20th week of pregnancy. That's the word from a new study featured in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Whether you're giving birth at a hospital or birthing center, it doesn't so much matter the where as the 'what' to bring with you. Remember, only bring what makes sense to you and leave your valuables at home -- it will be one less thing to worry about. This is a comprehensive list that you can use as a guide to pick and choose the items that seem right for you.

The presence of a professional labor support person -- a doula, for example -- can have a huge effect on the obstetrical outcome of the birth. Randomized, controlled trials on birth support have shown shorter labor, less requests for pain medication, reduction in number of necessary c-sections. Interested in a doula? Here are tips for interviewing and hiring.

When you dream of your perfect birth experience, do you find yourself longing for the comforts of home complete with your own bed, quiet, personal surroundings, control over what family / friends are welcome, and more? Today's pregnant woman is increasingly turning to the respite offered from yesteryear (well - with modern plumbing which is a definite plus)! Read on for help planning your special day.

While some risk factors for premature delivery are beyond our control, prenatal care and lifestyles changes can help some women lower their risk of having a premature delivery. Find out how you can give your little one the best chances of being full term.

Preeclampsia, affecting seven percent of all pregnancies worldwide, occurs when a woman's blood pressure rises. It most frequently strikes first-time mothers and women who are carrying twins, or multiple pregnancies. What can be done to prevent it? How is it detected and treated?

There are major differences in the way doctors and hospitals approach pregnancy and delivery. I'd like to spend the next few minutes making you a savvy consumer. The hospital is the most important choice you will make with regards your pregnancy. Is it baby friendly? Can it care for preterm babies? Take these and more into consideration when making your decision.

The experience of pregnancy and childbirth has long been described as miraculous. Constipation is commonly associated with pregnancy and the period directly after the birth. The problems, although part of the miracle of birth, can make you feel less than miraculous! Here are some very simple things that help alleviate constipation during pregnancy and in the post-partum period.

"Failure to progress" in labor is a common reason for unplanned C-sections. Sometimes, though, it might simply be failure to wait. We've all heard the term, but what does it mean? Are there things you can to that will encourage labor to proceed? Does failure to progress always signal the need for intervention?

My wife and I have a beautiful new baby girl. We were both excited about having her (we were infertility patients). Now that she is here, my wife is miserable. She cries all the time, and I am at my wit's end. I find myself feeling angry, which I don't want to do.

Not only are blood types different but some types of blood are incompatible with some others. The white blood cells in some types will perceive other types as enemies, attacking and destroying.

Lamaze emphasizes pain management through relaxation and breathing exercises. The belief is that a woman in labor is able to condition her responses to contractions through breathing and imagery to reduce her pain. Also, the class stresses education, preparation, and your role as an informed patient. Learn more...

The term "Natural Childbirth" is most widely used to describe a birth in which the mother labors without the use of pain medications or unnecessary interventions. The female body is designed to labor and give birth, and centuries of history attest to the fact that a natural birth usually results in a healthy mother and a healthy baby.

The Alexander Technique is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, flexibility, and coordination. The principles of the Technique can be applied to anyone and can greatly enhance your comfort during pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.

Want to know what positions you can birth in? Standing, sitting, side-lying, kneeling... What are the advantages and disadvantages of birthing different positions? Read on and find out!

Dr. Robert Bradley developed this method in the late 1940s. The Bradley method emphasizes an extremely natural approach, with few or no drugs and little medical help during labor and delivery. Stressing good diet and exercise during pregnancy, it teaches deep relaxation techniques to manage pain, and educates a woman's husband or partner so they can be an effective coach. Read more.

Giving birth is one of the most unforgettable and intimate experiences you will ever experience. That is why choosing where you'll give birth is such an important decision. Birth centers offer a personalized and comfortable place for childbirth where pregnancy and birth are normal situations, not an illness.

The third trimester the worries switch from what crib or bedding to such concerns as: What if I don't bond with him/her right away? or What if my midwife doesn't answer the phone? The weeks leading up to the birth can be tiring, exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Shellie shares ways to easy your discomfort and your mind.

How do you feel about giving birth? If you're afraid of giving birth, you're not alone. In fact, fear seems to permeate the culture of birth today. But giving birth can teach you that your body has a wisdom all its own and has strength and resilience.

I am sure you have heard the horror stories that a lot of women take delight in telling about the pain of labor. While yes it can hurt, it's for the most wondrous cause. Learn more about medicalized pain relief options.

I felt glorious and I was loving being pregnant. So, you can imagine my surprise when I went into pre-term labor at 34.5 weeks. I was in the car and all of a sudden knew something was weird. I said "I'm in labor" before I even had my first contraction.

"From the journey down the birth canal to afternoons at the park, a child will register every experience in the circuitry of his or her brain. Whenever a mother strokes her baby, whenever a father plays with his daughter or son...

The two trends in childbirth are moving in opposing directions. One trend is the growing number of hospitals providing homelike accommodations, including Jacuzzis and microwaves. The other trend is high-tech childbirth, beginning in many parts of the country with prenatal testing.

Partially under the pressure of lawsuits, the cesarean section rate increased from 5% in 1970 to 25% in 1988. Doctors are rarely sued for a poor outcome if they have performed a cesarean section but they are almost always sued when they have not. But is a repeat cesarean safest for the mother and baby? Find out.