The cervix dilates (opens) during the first stage of labor to prepare for the baby's birth. Cervical dilation is measured from 1 to 10 centimeters. You are ready to push and deliver when the cervix ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . Despite the long-held belief that epidurals prolong labor, new research demonstrates that epidurals have no ...

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If you’re pregnant and nearing your due date, you may wonder what your labor will be like. Since every mother is unique and every pregnancy is different, labor can last for hours or even days. Usually ...

Lying down during the early stages of childbirth may slow progress, according to a new systematic review. Researchers found that the first stage of labor was significantly shorter for women who kneel, ...