QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am 38 weeks pregnant today and 2cm dilated but baby's head is to high only 1 5th engaged. I wanted an early induction like my last child but they said it's to risky to break my waters as baby's head is too high and there is a risk of cord prolapse. They don't give the prostin gel after the third baby as this over stimulates the womb making baby unhappy and this is my sixth.

I wanted to know if I go over due what will they do if they can't do any of the 2 induction methods.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
Hi, I will be 40 wks pregnant tomorrow...I started getting labor pains 2 days ago and went to the hospital last night. They told me i was two centimeters dilated and i could go rest at home if I wanted, so I did since I could still handle the pains.

Throughout the night the pains slowed down and by morning had stopped and then my mucus plug came out. I found this strange, I still have no pains...is this normal??? This is my second pregnancy.

QUESTION

Dear Midwife,
I am about 2 1/2 months pregnant. I was wondering if it is still okay to have sex while you are at this stage of pregnancy? I have another question, too. During labor and delivery, can you have an epidural and still deliver in a tub of water?

When you are deciding where to have your baby, you'll probably be choosing from different places such as a birthing center, a hospital, or a home birth service. Here's what you should expect, and ask for, in your birth experience.

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.

I strongly encourage pregnant women to embrace this truly magical time, a time when their own soul allows the entrance of another into this world. The following is a list of the five things I advise every expectant couple to know.

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.

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!