Labor & Delivery

The moment you've been waiting for is almost here: the birth of your baby! Here you'll learn about labor and delivery, including signs of labor, when to go to the hospital, how to manage the pain of labor, what involved with an epidural, birthing methods, and much more.
Two people holding hands
What Is the Bradley Birthing Method?
Pregnant person timing contractions in hospital
What Is a Walking Epidural?
How should dad pack for the hospital?
The Essential Hospital Bag Checklist for Support Partners
COAT acronym for Water Breaking
How to Tell If Your Water Broke During Pregnancy
pregnant woman sitting on couch holding up baby clothing
9 Signs Labor Is Near: How to Tell Your Baby Will Come Soon
Woman holding her pants
New Study Highlights What Needs To Change About Postpartum Pelvic Care
Pregnant woman discussing issues with her doctor.
When Your Water Breaks Without Contractions
Parents with newborn at hospital
How To Care for Your Episiotomy Stitches
Doctor using stethoscope on pregnant patients stomach
When a Baby 'Drops' During Pregnancy
Man helping a woman in childbirth
8 Painful Experiences That Might Be Comparable to Giving Birth
Man supporting a woman as she delivers a baby
Can a Membrane Sweep Actually Induce Labor?
Mom and Dad in Labor
How to Make Labor Go Faster
illustration of a pregnant woman packing her hospital bag
What to Pack for a Hospital Delivery
illustration of items needed after birth
10 Things You Need After Having a Baby
woman holding her pregnant belly
Should You Deliver at a Birthing Center?
Postpartum Kits
The Best Postpartum Kits to Ease You Into That 4th Trimester
Birthing person holding a newborn baby.
What is a Lotus Birth?
patient in bed at the hospital suffering from labor pain
Common Causes of Stalled Labor and What You Can Do
pregnant woman at home
How To Know if Your Cervix Is Dilated—Without an Exam
An image of a pregnant woman asleep.
Leaking Amniotic Fluid: Signs, Causes, and Symptoms
Doula works with pregnant woman on birthing ball
10 Labor Positions to Try While Giving Birth
a pregnant person lying in a hospital bed and speaking with doctor
Everything That Happens When Your Water Breaks
pregnant belly purple shirt
How to Induce Labor at Home
Pregnant woman having labor contractions
11 Ways to Ease Contractions Without Drugs
Pregnant person in hospital bed with partner timing their contractions
What Labor Contractions Feel Like From Start to Birth
Pregnant woman in labor at the hospital speaking with a doctor
6 Signs of Preterm Labor and What Your Health Care Provider Might Do
pregnant woman in hospital bed using tablet
How Long After Induction Parents Can Expect To Give Birth
pregnant woman in discomfort
When Does Labor Start After Losing Your Mucus Plug?
pregnant woman in discomfort
What Does a Mucus Plug Look Like?
pregnant woman feeling her belly.
What Are the Different Types of Contractions?
Pregnancy Back Pain: 4 Reasons to Call Your Doctor_still
How to Soften Your Cervix for Birth Naturally
Pregnant person sitting on a birthing ball
The Best Exercises to Induce Labor Naturally
Pregnancy Workouts: Best 10 Minute Workout
11 Secrets to an Easier Labor
cervical dilation chart
Cervix Dilation Chart: What to Expect During the Stages of Labor
Young Pregnant Woman Standing Holding Back
6 Ways to Tell the Difference Between Gas and Labor Contractions
pregnant person holding stomach and back
Cramping and Other Signs of Labor Pregnant People Should Know About
Braxton Hicks Contraction
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
woman in hospital bed giving birth
What to Expect During the 3 Stages of Labor
A young pregnant woman of African decent sits on a sofa in the comfort of her own home as she cradles her belly with her hands.
What Happens When Babies Poop in the Womb
worried pregnant woman lying on her side
When Do You Lose Your Mucus Plug?
person holding phone and menstrual pad
All About Your First Period After a C-Section
pregnant woman and plastic chemicals
When Do Contractions Start in the Third Trimester?
The level of full term pregnancy graphic
Here's Why You Should Aim for a Full-Term Pregnancy, If Possible
woman in labor hospital bed
We Asked Real Parents: What Does Giving Birth Feel Like?
woman giving birth with her husband holding her hand
4 Reasons You Might Have to Labor Without an Epidural
childbirth class
Everything You Need to Know About the Lamaze Method
due date on calendar
The Truth About Due Dates
Mom and newborn 510
9 Things You Can Do With Your Placenta After Birth
Pregnant woman doing breathing exercises during labor at the hospital
Managing Labor Pain During Childbirth
Newborn and mom in hospital after C-section
How Many C-Sections Is 'Too Many'?
Illustration for the first trimester, postpartum rituals around the world
What Other Cultures Can Teach the US About Postpartum Rituals
An image of a pregnant woman and midwife.
Doula vs. Midwife: The Differences and How to Choose
Postpartum body: new mom holding baby
Vaginal Bleeding After C-Section: How Long Does It Last?
An image of a pregnant woman in the hospital.
The Best Birthing Positions, According to Experts and Parents
Friendly OBGYN gently presses on pregnant woman's abdominal. She is checking the fetal position. The pregnant woman is in her third trimester.
What Does Your Due Date Actually Mean?
Expectant mother (9 months pregnant) timing her contractions while sitting on couch at home
How Does Your Body Know When to Go Into Labor?
pregnant woman with back pain
What Back Labor Is Really Like
An image of a cellphone on a colorful background.
Mom Delivers Baby No. 3 in a Car on the Side of the Highway in Dramatic Viral Video
Young pregnant woman suffering from backache sitting on sofa and holding hands on back and stomach.
How Does False Labor Differ From the Real Thing?
Pregnant person in hospital for labor and delivery
What to Know About Vaginal Birth After a C-Section (VBAC)
Pregnant Woman Holding Stomach Sitting in Doctors Office
5 Signs You're Having Labor Contractions
person during labor at the hospital
7 Things That Can Happen During Labor
woman in labor
The Average Pushing Time for a First Baby Might Surprise You