Here's what happens during each stage of labor – from how long each stage lasts to what you might feel. Labor happens in three stages — early labor and dilation, pushing and delivery, and finally, ...

If your contractions come regularly every 5 to 10 minutes, it's time to call your doctor. Watch for signs like your water breaking or bloody vaginal discharge, which indicate labor might be starting.

Not all early contractions mean labor. Learn what preterm labor looks like, and when to call your provider to keep you and your baby safe.

Childbirth depends not just on hormones, but on the uterus’s ability to sense physical force. Scientists found that pressure ...

One of the most common questions expectant mothers have is how to know when they are really in labor. It is not always as obvious as one might think, but there are some key things to watch for, ...

Molecular discoveries may help improve treatments for labor and pain. When labor starts, the uterus must produce steady, precisely timed contractions to allow a safe delivery. Hormones such as ...

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 ...