Pitocin or Oxytocin is a hormone your body produces to start things like labor, breastfeeding, and …
Labor and 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:
Inducing Labor at 39 Weeks: Pros and Cons
You may have heard that inducing at 39 weeks is safe, or maybe you just want to be done being …
What do People Wish They Had Known About Before Birth?
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Advocating For Yourself in Labor
Recently, I asked in a group of pregnant women what some of their biggest fears were about labor, …
5 Things You CAN Control in Labor (mostly)
My #1 truth about pregnancy and labor is to let go of control (because mother nature ultimately has …
Planning for Bump to Bassinet: Must-Have Resources for Expecting Parents
Embarking on your journey to parenthood is an exciting and transformative time, filled with …
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Does Sleeping Stop Contractions?
If you go to sleep will it make your contractions stop? Today I'm going to share if sleeping is the …
3 Things to Know About Perineal Massage
Perineal massage gets a lot of talk on the internet, but is it actually useful? Today I'm going to …
3 Things to Do At the End of Your Pregnancy for a Faster Labor
Today I want to share three things you can do it try to make for a faster labor. That isn't to say …
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The WORST Parts of Pregnancy
Today I want to share the WORST parts of pregnancy. Sometimes you just want to feel like "yeah, this …
My #1 Tip for Hospital Birth
There's something that people don't talk about, because it seems a little scary -- but it truly is …
What Does the Mucus Plug Look Like?
Your mucus plug is a magical thing that keeps baby safe during the first couple of trimesters, but …
What To Do If Your Labor Goes Long?
You're in labor, but it's just not progressing like you'd hoped (or possibly how the staff wished it …
How a Birth Class Changes Pregnancy, Labor, Birth & Life With Baby
Countless studies show that a birth class can change everything in your first steps into parenthood. …
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The MOST Traumatic things in Labor & Delivery
You may think that the things that cause the most trauma are the kinds you see on TV or the news, …
Intermittent Auscultation: Who it’s for (and why it’s better)
Have you ever heard that if you go looking for trouble, you'll find it? Studies show that is also …
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The Magical Saline Lock: How it can help
The saline lock (formerly known as a hep lock) is an under-utilized tool in labor that can allow you …
5 Reasons to NOT Get Induced
Choosing to have an induction is super complicated. Many women find a LOT of reasons to get …
What to Expect at A Foley Bulb Induction
Has your doctor said they will place a foley bulb with your induction? What does that mean, what …
Should You Let Your Provider Break Your Water?
If your provider wants to break your water, should you let her? Today I'm going to talk about some …
40 weeks + a day and No Sign of Labor?
They give you a due date meaning baby will be OUT around then, right? But what if you hit that due …
Epidurals During Pregnancy & Labor
Getting an epidural during labor is a very common form of pain mangement in the US. Today I want to …
What Happens if Your Induction Doesn’t Work?
You're going in for an induction, but in the back of your head -- you're sort of wondering what …
C-Section Recovery: Tips You’ll Need
Are planning on a cesarean section, or recently had one? Today I'm going to share a few …
7 Things You’re Doing Wrong in Your Third Trimester
You've hit that third trimester, and you think you'll running it into the endzone for a big win this …
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Considering a VBAC: What to do
You're considering a VBAC and I LOVE that. That means a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, but not all …
What to Do When You’re Having Contractions
Having contractions can feel like -- "oh my gosh, is this it" but there are some questions you …
Can You Refuse a Urinary Catheter During Labor
The urinary catheter is given for a variety of reasons during labor. Can you refuse it though? …
5 Mistakes People Make Preparing to go to the Hospital to Have Their Baby
Parents come to the hospital with a lot of expectations and worries. What are some mistakes that …
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What to Wear For a Cesarean Section
Maybe you have a planned c-section or you're just wondering what you might need to change into if …
How to Prepare for an Induction
Do you have an induction scheduled? Today I want to share some things you can do to prepare for …
6 Things to Know About Your Fetal Growth Ultrasound
You've had or you're having a growth ultrasound where they're telling you how large your baby is in …
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How Many CM Do You Need to Be to Get An Epidural?
You're hoping to get an epidural while you're in labor -- but how far "along" do you need to be to …
How to Dilate Faster
Are you looking to have your baby sooner rather than later? Are there things you can do to make …
5 Mistakes Families Make Preparing for Delivery
There is a lot to keep in your head as you head into your delivery, but lots of families make pretty …
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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" -- …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 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 -- …
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 …
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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 …
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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) …
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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 …