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 ...

Here’s a play by play of what happens when. What happens: During this stage, your cervix dilates. Early on, contractions may be mild, but become more intense and closer together during active labor.

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 ...

The early stages of labor can be filled with a range of emotions for expecting mothers including pain and uncertainty. Preparing yourself for the unexpected — to the best of your ability — and ...

Becoming a parent is a life-changing event. You’ve bought the crib, decorated the room, and gotten enough onesies for a lifetime in preparation for your new arrival. But before you start counting ...

Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . Spontaneous preterm birth rate was higher after second-stage cesarean delivery vs. vaginal delivery.