pregnancy

The most common complication of childbirth is labor that does not progress During labor, a surge of hormones called oxytocin causes the muscles in the mother’s uterus to contract to allow her cervix to dilate and male room for the baby to pass through. Delivery can occur in two ways: vaginal (through the birth canal) …

Is a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) an option for you? Learn about the possible risks and factors that may affect your decision If you have delivered a baby by C-section and you are pregnant again, you may be able to choose between another C-section or a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). VBAC may be attempted if the previous C-section …

How Long Does It Take for Your Body to Go Back to Normal After Pregnancy? How long it takes for your body to go back to normal may take 6 months to a year, or even longer depending on your health and whether there were any complications during delivery. It’s easy to get the wrong idea about how long it …

Know the signs of preterm labor and what to do if you notice them A typical pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks. Occasionally, however, labor begins prematurely because uterine contractions can cause the cervix to open earlier than normal. Babies born before week 37 of pregnancy are considered premature:  Premature: Between 32-37 weeks Very premature: Between 28-32 weeks Extremely premature: …

Learn more about what to expect during each of the 4 stages of labor Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, you may not be aware of everything that happens to your body during labor. Labor happens in four stages: First stage: Dilation of the cervix (mouth of the uterus) Second stage: Delivery of the baby Third stage: Afterbirth …

Cesarean deliveries make up for an estimated 31.9 percent of all deliveries in the United States. Recovery after cesarean delivery can take as long as one and a half months. Cesarean deliveries make up for an estimated 31.9 percent of all deliveries in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recovery after cesarean delivery can …

Women respond differently to the pain of labor and delivery. Pain control options during labor and delivery are a personal choice, and a birth plan can typically be individualized according to a woman's wishes. The circumstances of labor and individual medical conditions can sometimes determine what pain relief options are needed. Available medical pain control options range from pain control …

The time taken to recover after childbirth can vary with each woman. It can take longer for a first-time mother to recover. A woman may usually take longer to recover after cesarean delivery compared to vaginal delivery. The first six weeks after giving birth is called the postpartum period. During the postpartum period, the mother experiences several changes including physical …

Most women with normal BMI gain about 22 to 28 pounds during pregnancy. However, while expecting twins, the recommended weight gain is higher. Pregnancy is a unique time during which the body undergoes multiple changes. Pregnant women experience changes in their moods, skin, joints, and body weight. The weight gain occurs as the result of the added weight of the …

The first week of the pregnancy is when the egg has been released from the ovum The first week of the pregnancy is when the egg has been released from the ovum, the egg then combines with sperm and conception occurs. Progesterone and estrogen hormones, which are a part of the normal menstrual cycle, rise dramatically. A new hormone called …