• Labor and delivery
• Postpartum care

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Labor and delivery

Every woman's labor and delivery experience is unique. Still, understanding what's typical can help you know what to expect as your due date approaches.

Labor and delivery generally follows a fairly predictable pattern - the cervix softening and opening, the amniotic sac rupturing, the contractions getting stronger and closer together. Sometimes, however, labor and delivery takes surprising twists and turns. You may reconsider your wishes about pain medication, or you may need an unexpected C-section.

However your labor and delivery unfolds, remember that your health and your baby's health are what's most important. Discuss your labor and delivery preferences with your health care provider, including options for pain medication and thoughts about episiotomy and other procedures. Then look forward to welcoming your baby into the world.

• See Also

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• Inducing labor: When to wait, when to induce
• Labor pain: Weigh your options for relief
• Stages of labor: Baby, it's time!
• Signs of labor: Know what to expect
• Episiotomy: Can you deliver a baby without one?
• Back labor: Childbirth myth or reality?
• Slide show: Vaginal tears in childbirth
• Slide show: Labor positions
• Labor and delivery: Pain medications
• Video: The epidural block
• Cord blood banking: Should I consider it?
• Video: C-section - What to expect
• Lower back tattoo: Can it prevent an epidural for labor pain?
• Video: How did the adage 'Once a Caesarean always a Caesarean' originate, and why has it fallen out of favor?
• Video: Many women are afraid of uterine rupture, the most serious risk of VBAC. Can you put that risk into perspective?
• Video: Many women are outspoken supporters of VBAC. Others are outspoken against it. What's a woman supposed to believe?
• Video: How is labor and delivery during a VBAC different from labor and delivery during a vaginal birth without previous C-section?
• Video: How many C-sections can you have and still safely have more babies?
• Video: Why should a woman who's already had a C-section consider having her next baby vaginally?
• Vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) guide
• Video: Should C-sections be performed during instances when there is no medical reason for this surgery, for solely elective reasons?
• Video: What other advice do you offer women you've counseled who have faced this decision?
• Massage: Get in touch with its many health benefits
• Preterm labor: Take prevention seriously
• To VBAC or not to VBAC?
• Labor induction
• C-section
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