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Labor

  • U.S. preterm births hit new low - still work to do!

    The March of Dimes just released the 2012 Premature Birth Report Card. The U.S. has hit a new 10 year low for preterm births -- a significant improvement now registering at 11.7%! Still, overall, the U.S. scores a "C" as we continue to have a high rate of preterm births comparatively. This is a clear indication of work to be done! Learn more of the resources available here at Pregnancy.org to help you and your baby with a healthy start!

  • Labor: the mental game (this is hard)

    "You see, I had read all the books, talked to lots of experts, picked the brains of tons of mamas about birth. I knew better than to have expectations about labor and childbirth." See what else Sarah has to say about the labor game!

  • Labor day 2012 -- getting labor going

    If you're due in August or early September and still pregnant might be saying, "It's time! Let's get this labor party started." Try one of these methods to get those contractions rocking and rolling!

  • Pregnant Mom Delivers Her Own Baby After Hospital Sends Couple Home

    When Josh and Stephanie Ihnen went to the hospital Tuesday, they didn't think they'd be holding their baby in their arms anytime soon. They were told that their baby's birth wasn't imminent. Surprise!

  • False Labor or the Real Thing -- What's the Difference?

    How can you tell if you're having false labor versus the real thing? Use these tips and questions to help you figure it out!

  • Study Shows Elective Inductions Lead to More Complications

    A University of Adelaide study has concluded that inducing labor when it's not medically necessary is more likely to result in birth complications compared to women who went into labor naturally.

  • Length of Labor Longer Than 50 Years Ago

    Moms have longer labors now than they did 50 years ago. Should labor use the new measurements as the "yardstick" for deciding when to speed up labor or order a c-section?

  • Study Concludes Non-Drug Pain Relief for Labor Less Effective

    A new study published in the Cochrane Library, has concluded that there is strong evidence that drug-based pain relieving methods are more effective at relieving labor pain than non-drug approaches.

  • Parents Push to Have or Avoid a Leap Day Baby!

    Parents due around February 29th have been known to schedule inductions or C-sections to either have a Leap Day baby or make sure that they don't!

  • Epidurals Potentially Cause Fevers During Labor

    A recent study found that more women undergoing an epidural run a fever during labor. As mother's temperature rose, the baby was more likely to experience problems.

  • Exercise Can Make Childbirth Faster and Easier

    Want to make your birthing experience faster and easier? Would you just love to avoid an arduous and prolonged second stage of labor?

  • Home Birth Advocate's Own Home Birth Ends Tragically

    In a sadly ironic moment, Caroline Lovell of Australia, an outspoken advocate for legal protection and midwife funding in Australia, died on January 24th, 24-hours after being rushed to the hospital during labor.

  • Perineal Massage

    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.

  • Nolan's Birth

    I started having contractions on Monday, December 1. They were about 5 minutes apart the whole day and we were excited that it finally seemed to be "IT." I was due November 23, so I was ready!

  • Ensuring Natural Labour and Delivery

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    I am 26 years old and 36 weeks pregnant with my first child. I am passionate about having the most natural birth experience possible (although, having said that, I am not having a home birth for this one - I'd like one "under my belt" before going that route!).

  • Using Narcotics for Pain Relief During Childbirth

    Many women choose to use some type of method to deal with pain during childbirth. As you prepare for your labor experience it is important to become educated ahead of time on what different pain medications are available, how they work, as well as what the risks and benefits are.

  • Signs of Labor

    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.

  • Nitrous Oxide Analgesia for Child Birth

    So many women could use is a "middle path;" a mild analgesic that could be safely used during birth, with little or no effects on the baby. It would be okay if this analgesic let in some pain. It would make all the difference to have just "a little something to take the edge off."

  • Before Hiring a Midwife

    Before you hire a midwife, be sure to interview several carefully. Take your time reviewing their history, call up their references, have a list of questions handy, research the legal issues in your state and ask the midwife for proof of her certification.

  • How Long Can Labor Be With a 2nd Pregnancy?

    QUESTION

    Dear Midwife,
    Hello, I am only 7 weeks pregnant as of now but this is my second child. I was wondering if the labor time will be less than with my first pregnancy.