Pregnancy

How Do I Know When I’m in Labor?

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Some women have very distinct signs. Their first “labor” contraction feels different that any other contraction they felt during pregnancy. And, the contractions keep coming at predictable intervals. For other women, labor contractions may be hard to identify, and they start and stop over periods of time. Uterine contractions aren’t the only sign your labor is about to begin. There are other changes that can happen before contractions start.

What You Need for a New Baby

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As the time for you baby’s birth gets near, your friends and family may give you a baby shower or baby gifts. We’ve put together a list of very basic supplies you need for your baby for the first weeks or months. Get things ahead of time so you will feel prepared to care for the baby. You can buy additional items as you need them. Keep in mind everything does not have to be new—just safe and clean.

Preterm Birth: How to Self-monitor Labor Contractions

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It’s often recommended that mothers at risk for preterm birth self-monitor contractions for at least one full hour each morning and again in the evening. Self-monitoring contractions means feeling your abdomen to see if you are having uterine contractions and then timing the contractions if you do.

Pregnancy Guide

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The birth of your child is one of the most significant events you will experience. It deserves careful thought and advance preparation. There are many things you can do as a responsible parent to have and prepare for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth. These include eating well, getting good prenatal care, strengthening and protecting your … Read more

Gestational Hypertension (pregnancy induced hypertension)

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This article is for women who may get or already have gestational hypertension (PIH), sometimes called Preeclampsia or Toxemia. This disease affects about 5 to 10% of all pregnant women. If you are one of them, you should learn as much as you can about it so you can help your health care provider keep you and your baby healthy.

Cesarean Section

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A cesarean birth (cesarean or c-section) is surgery where a baby is delivered by an incision that is first made on the skin, then the underlying abdominal muscle wall and finally the uterus itself. There are two types of incisions made for the delivery of the baby—the low transverse uterine incision and the classical cesarean incision.

Epidural

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Epidural anesthesia is one way of taking away the pain of labor and birth. Like most medical treatments it has risks and benefits. It is important that you learn about those risks and benefits before deciding if an epidural is right for you. What is epidural anesthesia? Epidural anesthesia uses repeated doses of a local … Read more