In preparation for the birth of your baby, your cervix effaces (thins and stretches) and dilates (opens) so your baby can fit through the birth canal. This cervical ripening can begin days or even ...

There may be twists and turns as your labor unfolds. But knowing what you might encounter can help you navigate this exciting but potentially challenging experience. Credit...Shawna X Supported by By ...

Here's what happens during each stage of labor – from how long each stage lasts to what you might feel. Labor happens in three stages — early labor and dilation, pushing and delivery, and finally, ...

If you're pregnant and your due date is fast approaching, it's important to be able to recognize the signs that you're ...

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Here’s a play by play of what happens when. What happens: During this stage, your cervix dilates. Early on, contractions may be mild, but become more intense and closer together during active labor.