Distinguishing between false labor and real contractions is often challenging, particularly for first-time moms. The contractions in true labor help dilate the cervix, unlike the Braxton Hicks contractions you may feel before you actually go into...
Contractions of the uterus herald the first phase of labor. The contractions prepare the uterus for delivery of the baby. Contractions, also called labor pains, are associated with gradual dilation of the birth canal. Sometimes women may mistake...
Early labor occurs when you start having regular contractions, occurring every five to 10 minutes and lasting about 30 to 60 seconds each. These regular contractions help thin out and dilate your cervix in preparation for childbirth. Early labor...
You have been anticipating the arrival of your new little one for nine months, and now are starting to feel anxious about the upcoming labor and delivery. If you are like most first-time expectant moms, you are probably wondering what to expect,...
Just as a baby's body size and shape change dramatically during the fetal period, her heart rate also changes with gestational age. As a baby grows in the womb and develops features for life after birth, her heart rate will change to reflect this....
Pain in the abdominal area during pregnancy, including menstrual-like cramps, can be startling. There are a few perfectly safe explanations for late pregnancy cramping, such as that which occurs during the 33rd week. In some cases, menstrual...
Pregnancy and heart disease can be a dangerous combination. Heart disease causes around 10 percent of maternal deaths during pregnancy, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states. While women with heart conditions can have healthy babies,...
According to the Centers for Disease Control, labor inductions have doubled in frequency since 1990. In 2006, 22.5 percent of all deliveries began with the induction of labor. Risk of a c-section can double when a woman's labor is induced instead...
Pregnancy causes many changes in a woman's body. Pain, discomfort, nausea and fatigue are some potential effects. Some abdominal cramping is possible. There are several reasons for this discomfort, and many of which are perfectly normal. A woman...
The traditional definition of true labor is the onset of regular contractions, which prepare the uterus to deliver the fetus. For most pregnancies, this occurs between 38 and 42 weeks of gestation. What truly sets preterm labor apart from...
Some brief cramping or pain in the abdominal area is normal during pregnancy. The March of Dimes explains that any severe cramping or pain during pregnancy is not normal and should be reported to a doctor right away. Any abdominal pain, even mild,...
The traditional definition of true labor is the onset of regular contractions that prepare the uterus to deliver the fetus. But there are many signs and symptoms that can precede regular contractions.
Random contractions in pregnancy can be worrying when you first experience them. When you are seven months pregnant, these contractions are usually just a slight, brief tightening. You might find them uncomfortable, or you may not feel them at...
Most women become anxious for labor to start as they near the end of their pregnancy. Normal pregnancy discomforts, apprehension about labor and delivery, and the joy of holding your little one in your arms all are a part of this anxiety....
After nine months of pregnancy, any expectant mother is understandably eager to meet her new baby. There are signs that precede the birth of a baby and knowing these can help mothers-to-be recognize when their body is preparing for birth and when...
The popularity of ellipticals at fitness centers has inspired an influx of machines for the home market. This has prompted fitness experts and organizations to research, evaluate and offer purchasing guidelines. For example, Len Kravitz, Ph.D....
Acupressure is a holistic way to encourage your body to take action. When certain areas of your body are stimulated, your body releases chemicals and endorphins. During pregnancy, you can manipulate your body into starting labor or as relief for...
Pregnancy is an exciting and joyful time in a woman's life, but not without stress. Aside from hormonal changes and weight gain, you may also experience nausea and constant fatigue. Deep breathing exercises provide an outlet for stress relief...
Women who have never given birth may believe that they will automatically know when the time to deliver the newborn has come. According to Penn Health, true labor is sometimes not easily identifiable. The due date is a reference date, and actual...
During pregnancy, you have plenty of reasons to exercise, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Keeping active helps you sleep better, gain the right amount of weight and helps prevent aches and pain. It may even help speed up...
Care from midwives can very greatly. A certified nurse midwife working in a hospital with an obstetrician will use medically minded induction methods, such as Pitocin, artificial rupture of the membranes and vaginal prostaglandin preparations....
Pregnancy is a time of many changes to a woman's body. When you combine these changes with an exercise program, the instruction for a pregnant and postnatal woman is different than for your average female exercise participant. The additional...
Stripping the membranes is a simple procedure performed in late pregnancy to help induce labor in women who are near, at or past term. It is usually performed in a doctor's office at a routine prenatal examination, but many doctors allow their...
After eight months of waiting to give birth, you know your body is getting ready for labor. Many first-time mothers wonder if they will recognize those early contractions as signs of labor, or if they will mistake them for false labor pains or...
Abdominal cramping is a common and usually harmless ailment that many women experience during the late stages of pregnancy. Third trimester cramping can be due to a variety of factors, only some of which are serious. Understanding the symptoms...
If you're in the third trimester of your pregnancy, you are probably getting more and more anxious about the big delivery day. After the 38th week of your pregnancy, your baby could come at any time, even if you are still a few weeks from your due...
One good thing about labor is that it's not continuous. Labor in pregnancy consists of contractions, periods of uterine tightening that can cause pain and pain-free resting intervals between contractions. During the resting interval, your uterus...
Dehydration is a potentially serious condition where your body loses too much water and it is not replaced sufficiently. Often, dehydration causes other sicknesses, especially heat-related illness like heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Dehydration...
Vaginal delivery of a full term baby, or a baby who has reached at least 37 weeks gestation, is the preferred outcome of pregnancies, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. In uncomplicated pregnancies, normal vaginal deliveries...
Ab crunches can be safe during pregnancy is they done properly. Learn how to do abdominal crunches during pregnancy in this video on pregnancy and fitness.
Ab crunches can be safe during pregnancy if they are done properly. Learn how to do abdominal crunches during pregnancy in this video on pregnancy and fitness.
