Fear of childbirth is common for many first-time mothers. This fear erodes a pregnant woman’s confidence and has been proven to result in a more difficult labor, harder delivery outcomes and an increase in postpartum depression. A recent study completed by researchers at the University of … [Read more...]
The 24-Hour Rule: Why Timing is Important in Baby Delivery After Your Water Breaks
May 19, 2017 By
If you’ve had a child in the past or are currently pregnant with your first, you’ve probably been told this: delivering a baby more than 24 hours after your water breaks can be dangerous for both mother and child. Whether or not this is true in all circumstances depends on who you ask. Most … [Read more...]
4 Ways Doctors Induce Labor
March 31, 2017 By
When a woman reaches the end of her pregnancy, she’s usually willing to try just about anything to get her baby out. Often it’s just a matter of patience, but certain situations warrant speeding things up a little. Many wives’ tales—such as spicy food or a bumpy car ride—are said to help, but … [Read more...]
What Do Braxton Hicks Contractions Feel Like?
March 7, 2017 By
Think of Braxton Hicks (BH) contractions like practice for the championship game or a dress rehearsal before the big performance. While they can be somewhat uncomfortable or unsettling, Braxton Hicks are actually good because they work to tone your uterus in preparation for delivering your … [Read more...]
Is My Baby Too Big to Deliver Vaginally?
December 19, 2016 By
A woman’s body is designed to deliver babies, but is there a point where a baby can be too big to deliver naturally? The average newborn weighs in at about 7 lbs. 8 oz. Obstetricians and midwives measure your fundal height (distance from the top of your uterus to your pubic bone) each time you go … [Read more...]
Understanding the Apgar Score
July 7, 2016 By
Just after a baby is born, a doctor, midwife or nurse performs a quick test on the newborn and gives he or she an Apgar score. The test is typically completed one minute after birth and again five minutes later. The goal is to evaluate the baby’s health and determine if he or she requires any … [Read more...]
What is Umbilical Cord Prolapse?
June 27, 2016 By
Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when the umbilical cord falls through the cervix to the birth canal before the baby does. This complication can occur both during pregnancy and during labor, potentially causing a serious threat to the baby. The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline, so when … [Read more...]
Go Time! Stages of Labor and What to Expect
June 6, 2016 By
Labor experiences are different for every woman, and can even be vastly different for every pregnancy. How quickly and smoothly the process goes depends on a lot of different factors, like whether or not you’re a first-time mom or a pro. Even though each birth can be so different, all women go … [Read more...]
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean: Risks and Tips for VBAC Success
May 17, 2016 By
Many women who end up having an unplanned c-section decide they want to try for a vaginal birth with their next delivery, known as a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Although VBAC is a often little riskier than cesarean birth, many women can still successfully deliver vaginally after previous … [Read more...]
Medicated vs. Natural Birth: Making an Informed Decision
February 4, 2016 By
There are many different decisions a woman has to make when she finds out she’s expecting; it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Which things should I avoid? Which medications are safe to take? Will my baby breastfeed or bottle-feed? And, of course, one of the most difficult and controversial decisions: … [Read more...]
