There is a lot to keep in your head as you head into your delivery, but lots of families make pretty …
Labor & Birth
Labor starts with a contraction, and ends with birth. Your trip into labor and delivery will end with birth (unless you get sent home (which is a fine thing too if you are having irregular contractions and aren’t dilating).
Of course, packing that hospital bag is important too:
The definition of active labor is that your cervix is dilating (usually due to uterine contractions). However, there are a lot of signs of labor that signal that you are going to give birth. Things like losing your mucus plug, or when your amniotic fluid starts to come out
These posts talk about the stages of labor:
- Latent labor
- Active labor (those two make up the first stage of labor)
- Pushing
- Delivery of baby and placenta
Of course, childbirth never really goes according to one plan and many women think they can PLAN their labor. But labor and birth are difficult to plan. You CAN however make wishes or ideas of what you would like in a birth plan. Sadly, your uterus isn’t always on board with that.
Pain relief is a big part of learning about labor. Before you are fully dilated, you may have options like IV pain medication, an epidural, possibly nitrous oxide or natural pain management.
Yes, vaginal delivery is what a lot of people plan on, but sometimes a cesarean section is necessary. Sometimes your pelvis won’t let the baby fit through, or there is something else preventing the baby coming through your vagina.
And, there might be a reason to induce labor, and these posts below talk a LOT about induction. it’s important to know about that too as labor can be unpredictable.
I hope these posts help make you feel more at ease for your labor:
What You Need To Know About Precipitous Birth (fast births)
Precipitous labor is considered birth within 3 hours of contractions becoming regular. It can be …
What You Need To Know About Precipitous Birth (fast births)Read More
The BIGGEST Myth About Labor (bar-none)
Today I want to share the BIGGGEST that I have seen about labor, and this ends up catching people …
Tips To Saying No To Your Provider
Communicating with providers can be hard. A lot of us feel like we need to just do what our doctor …
Weird Side Effects from The Epidural That No One Talks About
The epidural gets both a lot of flack and love online. Some people love it, some hate it -- but …
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Can You Push Yourself Into Labor?
You're at the end zone of pregnancy and OVER it. You're wishing it was over and are wondering WHAT …
Can Labor Start While Sleeping?
Maybe you're going to sleep and wondering if something will start tonight, or just idle curiosity -- …
Can I Refuse an IV During Labor?
You're thinking you likely won't need an IV during labor and you hate needles. So, can you refuse …
How to Prepare for Your C-Section (Cesarean Section)
So, you're pregnant and either aware there's a decent-sized chance you could have a c-section, OR …
How to Prepare for Your C-Section (Cesarean Section)Read More
What Cervix Dilation Should You Be at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy?
So you go in for your 36 week check-up and you agree to a cervical exam. What should your …
What Cervix Dilation Should You Be at 36 Weeks of Pregnancy?Read More
The Best Labor Advice You’ll Ever Get
You might be thinking it's about a certain position to use, or a specific type of midwife to get -- …
Why are Birth Classes So Expensive?
Taking a birth class can seem so pricey for new parents who already feel like they have a lot to …
How to Ask Your Doctor to Induce You
Are you just DONE being pregnant and wondering how you can ask your provider to induce you? Let me, …
What to Do If You Can’t Decide if You Want an Epidural or Not?
Not sure if you'll want an epidural or not? Honestly, you're not alone. The majority of patients …
What to Do If You Can’t Decide if You Want an Epidural or Not?Read More
The 5 Worst Pieces of Pregnancy Advice I Have Heard
Looking for some real pregnancy advice from someone who KNOWS what they're talking about? Today I'm …
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Debunking Induction Myths with My Own Induction Story
Hilary, circa 2009. I'm feeling huge, I'm pregnant with my third baby, after a bout of infertility …
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I’m 2 cm Dilated? How much longer?
You might have been checked in the office at one of your appointments -- and been told your cervix …
3 Ways To Get Baby to Flip Head Down
Is your baby breech and you'd like them to NOT BE? You're in the right place. Today I'm going to …
Should You Get the Labor Epidural Before They Break Your Water?
You're in labor, and you hear your provider is coming to break your water. Is it better to get …
Should You Get the Labor Epidural Before They Break Your Water?Read More
How to Time Going to the Hospital in Labor
A lot of people want some clear-cut guidelines about when they should go to the hospital when …
Reason You’ll Want a Birth Class on Your Second+ Baby
Ok, you're onto baby 2+ -- and you're thinking, "I don't need a prenatal class, I've done this" -- …
Reason You’ll Want a Birth Class on Your Second+ BabyRead More
What is Cervical Ripening?
Cervical ripening is the process from which the cervix turns from hard like rubber into soft and …
Is a “Walking Epidural” A Real Thing?
Are you wondering if you can get a "walking epidural" -- the answer is that it DEPENDS. Some …
4 Signs You’re Almost In Labor
So, you're wondering if all the new signs you're seeing in your body mean labor is near? Today I'm …
Your Labor Induction with Cervidil (Dinoprostone): What to expect?
Your labor induction could happen with Cervidil. It’s a vaginal insert that includes hormones …
Your Labor Induction with Cervidil (Dinoprostone): What to expect?Read More
What is Stripping Membranes? (Membrane Sweep)
You're tired of being pregnant and you've heard of a magical cure called a membrane sweep (or …
6 Reasons You Need to Take a Birth Class
Birth classes are one of the most important things you can do during your pregnancy, but many …
Signs You Are Dilating: Symptoms of cervical dilation
Dilation is a signs that your cervix is opening and labor may be close! But, since most of us …
Signs You Are Dilating: Symptoms of cervical dilationRead More
Does Labor Still Hurt With an Epidural?
How much labor pain should you expect during labor when you have an epidural? Should you expect to …
How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.
Women who plan on vaginal birth may wonder how painful the placement and infusion of epidural …
How Bad Does the Epidural Hurt? What to expect during placement.Read More
7 Gross Things About Childbirth
Childbirth seems pretty magical. You create a human and it magically appears on your chest... but …
Being Induced at 37 Weeks: What should you expect?
It sounds like you're considering an induction of labor around 37 weeks pregnant. How will it be …
IV During Labor – Do you NEED IV fluids in labor and delivery?
It is a standard practice in most US Hospitals to order an intravenous line (mostly referred to as …
IV During Labor – Do you NEED IV fluids in labor and delivery?Read More
Diarrhea at 38 Weeks Pregnant: Is it a sign of labor?
Having diarrhea can be a sign of labor, it can also be a sign that you had something that didn't sit …
Diarrhea at 38 Weeks Pregnant: Is it a sign of labor?Read More
Can You Request to Induce Labor at 37 Weeks?
You may be miserable, or your mom's in town or for a variety of reasons you may want to be induced 3 …
What is an “Unfavorable Cervix”? What does it mean for your labor?
You may hear that you have an "unfavorable cervix" and you have no idea what that means.... Let's …
What is an “Unfavorable Cervix”? What does it mean for your labor?Read More
5 Signs Your Birth is Going to Be Hard
Today I want to tell you five things to watch for your birth to be hard. These are things that can …
How is Cytotec (Misoprostol) Given for Labor Induction?
Having an induction of labor can be confusing. Your friends may have had their medicine through the …
How is Cytotec (Misoprostol) Given for Labor Induction?Read More
Cytotec Labor Induction: What to expect?
There are a few medication options when you are planning to start lab (called induction of labor). …
Can You Sleep Through Contractions – Especially Early Labor?
Can you sleep through contractions? It's a great question because sleeping is a great way to …
Can You Sleep Through Contractions – Especially Early Labor?Read More
Do You Wear a Bra During Labor?
Most people aren't sure if they should wear a bra during labor. While no choice has to be final, as …
Do Most Women Go Into Labor at Night?
You might be wondering if there is a time of day that you are more likely to start contractions than …
Best Time to Get an Epidural During Labor
When is the best time to request epidural anesthesia? Will getting it earlier or later prolong …
Symptoms of Baby Dropping (Lightening): Is 35 Weeks to Early?
People may ask you if your baby has "dropped" yet, or your provider may say that baby has dropped -- …
Symptoms of Baby Dropping (Lightening): Is 35 Weeks to Early?Read More
Why Can’t You Get an Epidural After a Point During Childbirth?
You may be wanting to get an epidural, but not sure at what point you CAN'T get during childbirth …
Why Can’t You Get an Epidural After a Point During Childbirth?Read More
Reasons They Induce Labor at 37 Weeks of Pregnancy
Having a labor induction before or at 37 weeks is something each pregnant woman and her partner …
How Long Does an Induction of Labor Take?
Induction of labor is definitely a process. How long will your labor induction take? What should …
Does Leaking Colostrum Mean Labor is Close?
With all the changes with your body during pregnancy some colostrum leaking can make you wonder what …
When Should I Start Using a Birthing Ball?
Using a birthing ball can have a lot of benefits for your pregnancy. Today I'm going to share …
Can I Be Induced at 37 Weeks Due to Pain
Pregnancy can be very painful, and many people find the last month of pregnancy extremely painful …
4 Ways to Prevent Birth Trauma Before, During or After Birth
Today I want to talk a bit about birth trauma and what you can do to try to prevent it happening in …
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11 Easy Ways to Prepare for your Labor Induction
Preparing for your induction can be intimidating. Suddenly, something that was unknown seems …
Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters? Is it too late?
Requesting an epidural is an important choice -- and choosing it too early or too late can have …
Can I Get An Epidural at 7 Centimeters? Is it too late?Read More
Signs of Labor
Knowing if you're going into labor will dominate a good part of your time as you get closer to your …
Cramping at 24 Weeks Pregnant
Cramping during your second trimester of pregnancy can be worrisome. What should you do if …
Do Birth Classes Improve Birth Outcomes? What do the studies show?
Is taking a childbirth class (also called prenatal classes, birth classes or pregnancy classes) …
Do Birth Classes Improve Birth Outcomes? What do the studies show?Read More
Cytotec vs Pitocin: What’s best for your labor induction?
Cytotec (also known as Misoprostol) and pitocin are different agents that are used for an induction …
Cytotec vs Pitocin: What’s best for your labor induction?Read More
When Can I Get a Labor Epidural?
Many people wonder WHEN in their labor they can be given the epidural. Today we'll discuss that, as …
Can You Feel the Baby Coming Out With the Epidural?
The baby coming out is normally the most painful part of the birthing process. Will you feel the …
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39 Weeks Pregnant with Extreme Fatigue & Tiredness
Are you headed towards you due date and feeling a TON of fatigue as you go about your day. …
How Dilated Are You When You Lose Your Mucus Plug?
Losing you mucus plug sounds as magical as it is... but what does that surprise when you wipe or …
How Long Can You Stay 1 cm Dilated?
Are you pregnant and curious about how long you might stay 1cm dilated? As a soon-to-be mom, it's …
How to Induce Labor at 2 Cm Dilated?
How can you start labor going if you're 2 cm dilated. In this article we will talk about …
When Will the Hospital Admit You For Labor?
When should you go the hospital to have your baby? Most people don't want to go to the …
Increased Baby Movements Before Labor
Do you notice baby moving more and wonder if it's a sign of labor? In general baby's movements …
Light Pink Spotting Discharge at 38 Weeks Pregnant
If you're having some light pink spotting you may wonder what's going on. For much of your early …
Pitocin Induction of Labor: What to expect
Did you know that Pitocin is the most common drug used to induce labor? If you're considering using …
C-Section Scar Pain During Early Pregnancy
Going through a pregnancy can already be filled with enough challenges, so it is only natural to …
Why Do Doctors Push Inductions of Labor?
Later in pregnancy your doctor may start discussing an induction of labor with you. Many people …
Bleeding at 20 Weeks of Pregnancy
Vaginal bleeding at any point during pregnancy can make you really worried. But, the worries change …
When Will My Doctor Induce Labor?
A labor induction for pregnant women is an important choice to make with your healthcare …
Can I Get an Epidural Before My Induction of Labor?
Making the choice to get an epidural during an induction can be confusing. If you know you're going …
Can I Get an Epidural Before My Induction of Labor?Read More
What Happens if You’re Sent Home From the Hospital in Early Labor?
You may be really worried about being sent home from the hospital when you think you're in labor. …
What Happens if You’re Sent Home From the Hospital in Early Labor?Read More
Can I Refuse Cervical Checks in Labor? Declining cervix exams in pregnancy.
Cervical checks or vaginal exams can be painful and sometimes unnecessary. Today I want to talk …
Can I Refuse Cervical Checks in Labor? Declining cervix exams in pregnancy.Read More
How to Avoid Pooping While Giving Birth: The 411 on this dirty secret
This is a real fear for a lot of people (in my study on birth fears 61.2% of respondents were …
How to Avoid Pooping While Giving Birth: The 411 on this dirty secretRead More
36 Weeks Pregnant and Feeling Pressure “Down Below” — What’s wrong?
Feeling like baby is REALLY moving into your birth canal as you get further into your pregnancy? …
36 Weeks Pregnant and Feeling Pressure “Down Below” — What’s wrong?Read More
Where do You Feel Contractions?
Are you feeling contractions? If so, it's important to know where they feel strongest. Contractions …
36 weeks Pregnant – Cervix is 1 cm dilated: When will labor start?
At your 36 week check-up your doctor might ask you if you want a vaginal exam to check how dilated …
36 weeks Pregnant – Cervix is 1 cm dilated: When will labor start?Read More
How Can You Increase Oxytocin to Induce Labor? The natural ways to induce labor
Are you overdue and anxious to give birth? You may be considering inducing labor yourself. While …
How Can You Increase Oxytocin to Induce Labor? The natural ways to induce laborRead More
Create a Natural Birth Plan From My Free Birth Plan Template!
Creating a birth plan is a good beginning to starting good communication between the patient and …
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34 Weeks Pregnant: What are the symptoms of preterm labor?
At around the 34th week of pregnancy, you might be wondering when labor will start. It's normal to …
34 Weeks Pregnant: What are the symptoms of preterm labor?Read More
Is a Headache an Early Sign of Labor at 38 Weeks: Is something wrong?
Who has headaches in pregnancy {everyone raises their hand}. Is a headache a sign of LABOR? …
Is a Headache an Early Sign of Labor at 38 Weeks: Is something wrong?Read More
Your Guide on What to Wear in Labor & Delivery and Your Hospital Stay
Today, we're going to chat about a few things: What to wear during labor and delivery, what not to …
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The Complete Guide to Labor Induction: How they induce labor
A labor induction is meant to start contractions to induce labor. However, a lot of it depends on …
The Complete Guide to Labor Induction: How they induce laborRead More
Labor and Delivery Nurse Gift Basket Ideas: Nurse thank you gift ideas
Tell your nurse thank you is plenty of gift for them, but if you want to give your labor and …
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Do You Have to Give Birth on Your Back in the Hospital?
Being in the hospital can be scary, you can feel like you "have" to do a lot of things because …
Do You Have to Give Birth on Your Back in the Hospital?Read More
16 C-Section Facts For a Better Birth!
There's a lot of information out there about c-sections - some good, some bad. In this blog post, …
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag: Get prepared with The Pregnancy Nurse
When should you pack that hospital bag? Certainly you don't want it packed at 20 weeks, but when is …
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Do You Lose Weight Before Labor?
One question that often comes up during pregnancy is whether or not you lose weight before labor. …
5 Myths about Induction
Today I want to share five myths about induction. Things everyone thinks is true, but isn't always …
Stomach is Hard In my Third Trimester — is that OK?
If you're pregnant and feeling a hard stomach, you may be wondering if something is wrong. In most …
Stomach is Hard In my Third Trimester — is that OK?Read More
What to Do the Day Before a Labor Induction
There is a lot to get done as you head to your due date or before an induction. Some of it is …
What to Do If You Don’t Like Your Labor Nurse
Google, Tiktok, Pinterest is full of people saying you can "just ask for a new one" if you don't …
10 Common Questions About Inductions
Having an induction can bring up a lot of questions. At least I hope it does. Inducing labor …
How Long Does it Take to Push Out A Baby?: The 3rd stage of labor
The third stage of labor (the pushing stage) can be brutal, because expectations are that it will be …
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Contractions on The Monitor But You’re Not Feeling Them: What does that mean?
When it comes to labor, there are a few different ways that contractions can be felt. For some …
Contractions on The Monitor But You’re Not Feeling Them: What does that mean?Read More
Stages of Labor Duration: How long does labor last?
How long will your labor last? Labor has four phases (or stages) of labor that you body will move …
Stages of Labor Duration: How long does labor last?Read More
37 Weeks Pregnant & Having Period Pains? What it means from a labor nurse
Are you experiencing any period-like pains at 37 weeks pregnant? You're definitely not alone! In …
37 Weeks Pregnant & Having Period Pains? What it means from a labor nurseRead More
Can an Epidural Cause Back Problems?
There is a lot of discussion about whether or not epidurals cause back problems for pregnant women. …
The Benefits of a Midwife
Midwives offer pregnant women a wealth of benefits that traditional obstetricians cannot match. From …