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.
When To Schedule Your C-Section Delivery
![Two people holding hands](https://www.parents.com/thmb/Tj6ODTQHuAkFBelLoh0bb6idbMo=/364x242/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/birthing-centre-136810373-5c5f035f46e0fb0001587575.jpg)
What Is the Bradley Birthing Method?
![Pregnant person timing contractions in hospital](https://www.parents.com/thmb/agI1sjc2GMs7cwivWi0kLDSUc2c=/364x242/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pregnant-caucasian-woman-timing-contractions-in-hospital-487703603-597273db054ad90010cf0513.jpg)
What Is a Walking Epidural?
![How should dad pack for the hospital?](https://www.parents.com/thmb/4_WsGr-nAXSJHaDNB6RBhPzjJBw=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dads-hospital-bag-1270763_FINAL-6d5d64ca932b4499aeffc89a28506e68.png)
The Essential Hospital Bag Checklist for Support Partners
![COAT acronym for Water Breaking](https://www.parents.com/thmb/K9rDwAoC3cAzaXNsGfU-MqEl5_o=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/did-my-water-break-2759025-final-2775143a1e9b41e9a8afd9ba02ff58a1.png)
How to Tell If Your Water Broke During Pregnancy
![pregnant woman sitting on couch holding up baby clothing](https://www.parents.com/thmb/TolAUszEsUPHoN9BLy-ovIsZDz8=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1462771837-5620c52a4b614d88ad52617ab4f09b6b.jpg)
9 Signs Labor Is Near: How to Tell Your Baby Will Come Soon
![Woman holding her pants](https://www.parents.com/thmb/GcnniyRGcl1-gglwButGf6QPRRw=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1419218497-e505fb5e53ce47abb5a1824d9a8bead7.jpg)
New Study Highlights What Needs To Change About Postpartum Pelvic Care
![Pregnant woman discussing issues with her doctor.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/B9kxj416Tu5YWLvlrXHVJEaTuk0=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-557475491-56952c603df78cafda8c1dbc.jpg)
When Your Water Breaks Without Contractions
![Parents with newborn at hospital](https://www.parents.com/thmb/lluMCPz7aDrCDSZQ-KKEyacU10k=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/parents-with-newborn-at-hospital-591954317-59723a6c03f402001080d0c6.jpg)
How To Care for Your Episiotomy Stitches
![Doctor using stethoscope on pregnant patients stomach](https://www.parents.com/thmb/L63KzGLAdDZhA6gJyIOobQ00YVo=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/doctor-using-stethoscope-on-pregnant-patients-stomach-595348651-597b6bea9abed5001091c764.jpg)
When a Baby 'Drops' During Pregnancy
![Man helping a woman in childbirth](https://www.parents.com/thmb/GbCIPHEGR2l6om8AuOqsCAr-7ZQ=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-514659752-588a38055f9b5874eeff4dac.jpg)
8 Painful Experiences That Might Be Comparable to Giving Birth
![Man supporting a woman as she delivers a baby](https://www.parents.com/thmb/C67HQ2Vpyg2JtmL_YtvFU6P065Q=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/caucasian-man-helping-girlfriend-deliver-baby-181215744-57b1ed195f9b58b5c224e5d1.jpg)
Can a Membrane Sweep Actually Induce Labor?
![Mom and Dad in Labor](https://www.parents.com/thmb/T5Xp0CWYmz_od2ql7tF5j2DUqV4=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/107865381-56a76a4f5f9b58b7d0ea4cd0.jpg)
How to Make Labor Go Faster
![illustration of a pregnant woman packing her hospital bag](https://www.parents.com/thmb/AazaXkNj-JNhDZ04EZKFOBOuwtM=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-Hospital-Bag-ee63e686beff468f935dd5c3b656ed0b.jpg)
What to Pack for a Hospital Delivery
![illustration of items needed after birth](https://www.parents.com/thmb/yoScIz0D0LOUxAGpkE59TbdPLCo=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-Items-Need-After-Birth-1b0e54955f6a4c8eb951803a65e11fff.jpg)
10 Things You Need After Having a Baby
![woman holding her pregnant belly](https://www.parents.com/thmb/cFpJQvd417yjn3YRoRRQ0xbNM_Q=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1197692604-2360c2d7ecab4a218f7e228c3c6a3f23.jpg)
Should You Deliver at a Birthing Center?
![Postpartum Kits](https://www.parents.com/thmb/X_8t1INrZOAtuZCPTQ_Fy1VpzSw=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/postpartum-kits-tout-9099b9dda2e44c71b16e1377264a25eb.jpg)
The Best Postpartum Kits to Ease You Into That 4th Trimester
![Birthing person holding a newborn baby.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/6V3suoqRxOE6PnGtEJQxOuQQI6g=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-border-Lotus-Birth-e37018845ad84f29b6b5e1aae50ab528.jpg)
What is a Lotus Birth?
![patient in bed at the hospital suffering from labor pain](https://www.parents.com/thmb/nmFMhQb8vwcFYpRN-G1Mj7R_O1c=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1428833383-b53fd81a262e4b42b99ee2afdbad4eee.jpg)
Common Causes of Stalled Labor and What You Can Do
![pregnant woman at home](https://www.parents.com/thmb/WR5DzxjcHgA2FGSThwgnCZjwTBw=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-487394654-65c09493462c47f392f3be9faa443c70.jpg)
How To Know if Your Cervix Is Dilated—Without an Exam
![An image of a pregnant woman asleep.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/r75HWPKBH_wb2dU9oH9fiM-8-yA=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1034882438-2000-9cc48c3a52594b3f92bc686d14a8fec9.jpg)
Leaking Amniotic Fluid: Signs, Causes, and Symptoms
![Doula works with pregnant woman on birthing ball](https://www.parents.com/thmb/F4tQpQePTIjXM3WlVgbMFR2qQ2M=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-Stocksy_txpe8013bccINc300_Medium_3030392-22231be045e04980affe94e22eb95c1c.jpg)
10 Labor Positions to Try While Giving Birth
![a pregnant person lying in a hospital bed and speaking with doctor](https://www.parents.com/thmb/Uwd81EPp_njegfee_JmFt2RxWKM=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1434550332-b976e3e29a2040399d5f1b0b378df18f.jpg)
Everything That Happens When Your Water Breaks
![pregnant belly purple shirt](https://www.parents.com/thmb/OKBetp_6HVtVW3eGvax4xqsTvQ8=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MilaSupinskaya-3877ff56c4554a5d98ff3def24585d07.jpg)
How to Induce Labor at Home
![Pregnant woman having labor contractions](https://www.parents.com/thmb/Ne97jU6NrfI9AKy8InfLZuP5V8s=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sized_shutterstock_291111836-0c0a15bafa114d85861961120f409536.jpg)
11 Ways to Ease Contractions Without Drugs
![Pregnant person in hospital bed with partner timing their contractions](https://www.parents.com/thmb/In1DdkJ7mEQGV8AV-mZTs3FOtO4=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/74174722-56a76e595f9b58b7d0ea6f1c.jpg)
What Labor Contractions Feel Like From Start to Birth
![Pregnant woman in labor at the hospital speaking with a doctor](https://www.parents.com/thmb/uoEY2_AHYMJ6yZ52YdSEFpWMBqs=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-GettyImages-1434550332-9bdc17d2f4e94e359d56ee4ba61c05d8.jpg)
6 Signs of Preterm Labor and What Your Health Care Provider Might Do
![pregnant woman in hospital bed using tablet](https://www.parents.com/thmb/-s1-NwldN1Pamd37TgVH_bQofq0=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/191015-how-long-after-induction-6a5853fcd1dc4623a34b56dc8b37de7c.jpg)
How Long After Induction Parents Can Expect To Give Birth
![pregnant woman in discomfort](https://www.parents.com/thmb/YLbB03H1ks1urrV3RUSuKU_t1zM=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1157761640-7da677afe5a641659fbb0bb114701ed9.jpg)
When Does Labor Start After Losing Your Mucus Plug?
![pregnant woman in discomfort](https://www.parents.com/thmb/x9HRwK4ScBPUkNYrRMFH4YiZRZE=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1436142236-48df2c28ecd64b1780c1683733c2d919.jpg)
What Does a Mucus Plug Look Like?
![pregnant woman feeling her belly.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/j-G83WnbXgKdAfrSh8pt-raKLLM=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1253709994-35de85ee863f41e780b5a96bf3ff01a1.jpg)
What Are the Different Types of Contractions?
![Pregnancy Back Pain: 4 Reasons to Call Your Doctor_still](https://www.parents.com/thmb/sSev3sHEkuyX5Y1-0T-CrUPt1ZY=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2017_04_listicle_4_reasons_to_call_your_doctor-pregnancy_back_pain_still-6afb1506526d4dca8f7d09d9ac1f398f.jpg)
How to Soften Your Cervix for Birth Naturally
![Pregnant person sitting on a birthing ball](https://www.parents.com/thmb/mEopfhTDE9EHwx-uI5KpHvFcM-w=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-Induce-Pregnancy-Naturally-ec93a0d52049488292a3f78f0d0765f9.jpg)
The Best Exercises to Induce Labor Naturally
![Pregnancy Workouts: Best 10 Minute Workout](https://www.parents.com/thmb/_ratCTOyW-TURl6teXR9B8msQ3Q=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tvOHJoNDE6dm52nLdlemPfJvR1y7nG6K-cab6e975e05d40eb857880b9ea0a1576.png)
11 Secrets to an Easier Labor
![cervical dilation chart](https://www.parents.com/thmb/sC_g0PCWjc0CZqozKA3rxC_Qnaw=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cervical-dilation-chart-3x2-dbd4e1db155a4611894fa67bed31fadf.jpg)
Cervix Dilation Chart: What to Expect During the Stages of Labor
![Young Pregnant Woman Standing Holding Back](https://www.parents.com/thmb/On9rrinGT5_eHWDn9rLi92Wkxw4=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/baby-position-1b7620f1e1ae4d568fb0a2180c1d79e0.jpg)
6 Ways to Tell the Difference Between Gas and Labor Contractions
![pregnant person holding stomach and back](https://www.parents.com/thmb/0APy3S0OyBw_m5XG--M4Rmjjj8E=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1351843895-2000-3d2145d61c2946daa5d4c26f66b4972c.jpg)
Cramping and Other Signs of Labor Pregnant People Should Know About
![Braxton Hicks Contraction](https://www.parents.com/thmb/R2-dhYwW0OhP7WynBjViHFaQNjs=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_682708039-2a0ccf2fc2304c48bf542435bc9425e8.jpg)
What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?
![woman in hospital bed giving birth](https://www.parents.com/thmb/6DN49mTxOwy4r0CtIN6cGe6DVWg=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_643012189-858717d48c8e49a7b6e9f7a08744e7d4.jpg)
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.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/l8nbnseAFvoDQ5ryhyG84DwhcaI=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1495378460-f61db994d1f445e6b57808521b309bcc.jpg)
What Happens When Babies Poop in the Womb
![worried pregnant woman lying on her side](https://www.parents.com/thmb/MzUe09eeS9GfHMRihlye2FSn1kU=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_435842779-bd390b9fc14847daaefd094e4a3254c6.jpg)
When Do You Lose Your Mucus Plug?
![person holding phone and menstrual pad](https://www.parents.com/thmb/jqVrOChixyBe7qJxi9bDmJH0wmk=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1485654163-c326f12d7b0f4f3b82b0a11361d3de19.jpg)
All About Your First Period After a C-Section
![pregnant woman and plastic chemicals](https://www.parents.com/thmb/gRSdqLtpaFBmPNSezHK6rt5y_GQ=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pregnant-woman-and-plastic-chemicals-fa4f2f3d4af2432396445f229a6c9a50.jpg)
When Do Contractions Start in the Third Trimester?
![The level of full term pregnancy graphic](https://www.parents.com/thmb/redg6u0USZZCP_p5NDnL2Wprf-k=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/what-does-it-mean-to-have-a-full-term-pregnancy-BriannaGilmartin-5f0661dce5dc4bb49e93f8d964354d4b.png)
Here's Why You Should Aim for a Full-Term Pregnancy, If Possible
![woman in labor hospital bed](https://www.parents.com/thmb/loqdhWpxsc9HSpiMGZDE4u_nFhQ=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_1153003496-268eab15956a4e7b8908d0088265ee59.jpg)
We Asked Real Parents: What Does Giving Birth Feel Like?
![woman giving birth with her husband holding her hand](https://www.parents.com/thmb/lln-7Ay5ckZFZNJMK3Ut02IBo7M=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Getty_Images_511525872-2000-d4c27d9b1d344b51a788b6317660b602.jpg)
4 Reasons You Might Have to Labor Without an Epidural
![childbirth class](https://www.parents.com/thmb/rjE-drw3Z22g-5BBsfuq3OMxGmU=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/monkeyBusinessImagesshutterstock_0-09881d659b234cc0b196d3d09a579a73.jpg)
Everything You Need to Know About the Lamaze Method
![due date on calendar](https://www.parents.com/thmb/YISMX_VLP4oxoqAfhGCzvKx3t3w=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/due-date-on-calendar-24c30398f7524c46b4c2fa84b07cca7d.jpg)
The Truth About Due Dates
![Mom and newborn 510](https://www.parents.com/thmb/xJ5xAjMFkZ6kL5AqhXjW-G4RRNw=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shutterstock_211761661-7c22973259ee458b9899642d7b2591d0.jpg)
9 Things You Can Do With Your Placenta After Birth
![Pregnant woman doing breathing exercises during labor at the hospital](https://www.parents.com/thmb/h6_mrbZPGG71iqLgkPG6K5IWgyo=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/labor-pain-management-f7ac3619df70492ba8f7178c27c2b3fd.jpg)
Managing Labor Pain During Childbirth
![Newborn and mom in hospital after C-section](https://www.parents.com/thmb/WLgoW2pUsipG7HlMNWhgY1WxMnc=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-897661396-2000-1e4b422cd8ca419d8caf9ebd584aff79.jpg)
How Many C-Sections Is 'Too Many'?
![Illustration for the first trimester, postpartum rituals around the world](https://www.parents.com/thmb/5PNP7_CY5aD2MaJtf0KPHM3Lo5s=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-birth-from-cultures-around-the-world-Dennis-Madamba-Final-e452d292f0a647e8915addc725ac5355.jpg)
What Other Cultures Can Teach the US About Postpartum Rituals
![An image of a pregnant woman and midwife.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/K4jCROhzYW8tnEigFBe6GP2qwHE=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1304284846-2000-58bac1db4a11406e8a071f151061537b.jpg)
Doula vs. Midwife: The Differences and How to Choose
![Postpartum body: new mom holding baby](https://www.parents.com/thmb/e3QJXPoFh7gEY2x_VGWB_XQOCEE=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ab48bcdd-0ba8-42d7-bcce-0830bd488184-09a16e5326954b16b3338e109b773908.jpg)
Vaginal Bleeding After C-Section: How Long Does It Last?
![An image of a pregnant woman in the hospital.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/_N9baa7jP5PcadeFgT8PCtKXuIU=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-649660589-2000-078dfaf3d98d4f689594fb585a734862.jpg)
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.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/_Nk3jY24lTb-d1U2dGN_xDXwcVs=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-GettyImages-1498289691-a50f41c0c3234a3caab1e10b265f58bb.jpg)
What Does Your Due Date Actually Mean?
![Expectant mother (9 months pregnant) timing her contractions while sitting on couch at home](https://www.parents.com/thmb/cxTKoSPGmLXudxLdCrpN5THlhP8=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-GettyImages-681901785-488240ebf8cb46058f65daee47c69cc9.jpg)
How Does Your Body Know When to Go Into Labor?
![pregnant woman with back pain](https://www.parents.com/thmb/DztdWht7nUT2z1qAqp2nwk7qi4o=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/191212-back-labor-2000-d24cc120c2c64382828c4b578b0bc067.jpg)
What Back Labor Is Really Like
![An image of a cellphone on a colorful background.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/0Ot9jWplmr6g9j0hikZVHWG2mx4=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/emergencybabydelivery-2000-326a18ea12b641f8bcdcfd00397c9dea.jpg)
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.](https://www.parents.com/thmb/HDO6f2w-v9eT0jKd7Gc33PXwyPQ=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-GettyImages-1411616084-b6ec47b2d9bd452689b62213029e53fb.jpg)
How Does False Labor Differ From the Real Thing?
![Pregnant person in hospital for labor and delivery](https://www.parents.com/thmb/qlmyXlbBZuBN-FPc_OsC4Or379o=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Parents-GettyImages-1467888087-cc360b7d33c34103a1e8ea40e61bafd3.jpg)
What to Know About Vaginal Birth After a C-Section (VBAC)
![Pregnant Woman Holding Stomach Sitting in Doctors Office](https://www.parents.com/thmb/RrfacCLFUTq3558HIlUzmHfJdYs=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pregnant-d9dcc280d58f42beb8e3080bd3424606.jpg)
5 Signs You're Having Labor Contractions
![person during labor at the hospital](https://www.parents.com/thmb/2lxA82oLR42JeMm0BdfColmJrD0=/282x188/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1423421870-690626bb41b440bd88c5ce6c43e52dd1.jpg)
7 Things That Can Happen During Labor