Every pregnancy experience is different. Some changes in pregnancy signal that labor is imminent, while others only bring about false expectations. Epigee.org explains that it is important to review potential signs of labor in order to recognize...
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.
Pregnancy is exciting and terrifying for most expectant mothers and expectant fathers. Suddenly, it's not just about you anymore. The emotional weight of a pregnancy can seem overwhelming, especially if it was an unplanned pregnancy. Confide in...
The seasonal flu normally strikes between November and March every year in North America. Pregnant women are susceptible to the illness unless vaccinated, but even with vaccination, some women may get the flu. People normally recover fully from...
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,...
Your first pregnancy is bound to be an unfolding mystery. As your body undergoes rapid changes, you'll need to know how to accommodate these changes in a way that's healthy for you and your baby. You may also want to know what to expect at various...
A woman gains 25 to 40 lb. during the course of a healthy pregnancy. This weight gain coupled with constantly fluctuating hormones contributes to a variety of aches and pains. Because of strong demands placed on the body during pregnancy, a...
Labor, otherwise known as childbirth or parturition, is the three-part period of gestation involving the birth of one or multiple infants. You can choose to undergo labor in one of several ways, including a natural birth at home, water birthing or...
In most cases women can and should exercise during pregnancy if given approval by their obstetrician. Performing regular moderate intensity exercise during pregnancy can benefit both mom and baby. Exercise programs for pregnant women may need to...
Exercising will help you feel good and keep moving throughout even the toughest months of your pregnancy. Many aches and pains associated with your growing belly can be relieved through moderate, regular exercise. The American Congress of...
One of the most effective methods for targeting the pubococcygeal (PC) muscles is the Kegel exercise. The PC muscles are a group of muscles that run from the pubic bone to the tail bone, and they support the pelvic floor and surround the internal...
The obliques are the sides of the abdominal muscles. They cross diagonally across the middle of your body and help improve your posture while allowing you to bend and twist your waist. You don't have to give up oblique exercises when you become...
Acupressure is entering the mainstream as one way to reduce the symptoms of pregnancy and the pain of labor. Acupressure works by stimulating your body to release endorphins and hormones. The release of these bodily chemicals can cause pain relief...
Uterine fibroids are benign growths on the wall of the uterus. Risk factors for women include age and a family history of fibroids. Up to 40 percent of women older than the age of 40 have uterine fibroids, according to the University of Maryland...
Many books have been written about labor and delivery as a way of preparing expectant mothers for the long awaited arrival of their baby. In reality though, there is no typical pregnancy, labor or delivery, only typical symptoms. While these signs...
During the last weeks of pregnancy, many women feel uncomfortable and impatient. It's natural to want to get labor started, but there isn't a proven herbal method for doing so. Drinking ginger won't help induce labor. Consult with your...
HIV/AIDS is one of the major health concerns in not only the United States but throughout the world. More than 30 million people were living with HIV worldwide in 2009, according to World Health Organization statistics. Those same data reveal that...
There are many natural supplements commonly recommended by midwives and alternative health care practitioners for use during pregnancy and labor. Some of these are said to help relieve pregnancy symptoms, while others are meant to prepare the body...
Unpleasant symptoms like headaches, back pain, swollen feet and morning sickness may occur during pregnancy, rendering daily responsibilities like work difficult. Certain herbs can be used to alleviate pregnancy symptoms while other herbs aid the...
Finding out that your wife or girlfriend is pregnant can bring mixed feelings of joy and fear, especially if this is a first pregnancy. Understanding some of the specifics of pregnancy can help you to support your wife and deal with your own...
The external and internal abdominal oblique muscles run along the sides and front of your abdomen. These muscles protect your spine, improve posture and support your uterus during pregnancy. Strengthening your oblique muscles can help ease...
Maybe you have just begun your pregnancy journey, entering the first trimester with excitement and joy. Or perhaps you have progressed into your second or third trimester, anxiously awaiting the moment when your baby will be in your arms. And then...
Birthing classes, meetings with your doctor and chatting with friends may leave you feeling confident that you know what to expect during pregnancy and labor. But what about after your baby is born? As a result of the process of delivery and...
Having a baby changes the way a woman lives her life. During the pregnancy and afterward, women have to learn to make lifestyle changes and sacrifices to ensure they are meeting all of their baby's needs. Anticipating these changes and learning...
