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- Labour and Birth
- Labour and Delivery
Content Map Terms
Pregnancy & Parenting Categories
-
Planning Your Pregnancy
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Fertility
- Ovulation and Fertility Pregnancy Planning
- Ovulation and Transport of Egg
- Find Your Ovulation Day
- Infertility: Problems With Ovulation
- Ovulation
- Superovulation
- Interactive Tool: When are you most fertile?
- Infertility
- Infertility: Emotional and Social Concerns
- Pregnancy after Age 35
- Infertility: Ethical and Legal Concerns
- Infertility: Factors That Affect Treatment Success
- Infertility: Setting Limits on Testing
- Infertility: Problems With the Man's Reproductive System
- Infertility: Problems With Fallopian Tubes
- Infertility: Problems With the Uterus and Cervix
- Cancer Treatment and Infertility
- Fertility Problems: Should I Be Tested?
- Infertility Tests
- Fertility Drugs
- Fertility Problems
- Fertility Problems: Should I Have a Tubal Procedure or In Vitro Fertilization?
- Insemination for Infertility
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection for Infertility
- Infertility Treatment for Women With PCOS
- In Vitro Fertilization for Infertility
- Infertility: Setting Limits on Treatment
- Infertility: Questions to Ask About Medicine or Hormone Treatment
- Infertility: Questions to Ask About Assisted Reproductive Technology
- Infertility: Should I Have Treatment?
- Insemination Procedures for Infertility
- Gamete and Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer for Infertility
- Varicocele Repair for Infertility
- Fallopian Tube Procedures for Infertility
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
- Luteinizing Hormone
- Progesterone
- Sperm Penetration Tests
- Infertility Concerns When Planning a Pregnancy
- Planning a Pregnancy After 35
- Pregnancy Issues for Women Over Age 35
- Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting
-
Your Health When Planning to Become Pregnant
- Health Care for Pregnancy Planning
- Physical Activity When Planning a Pregnancy
- Smoking When You are Planning a Pregnancy
- Alcohol and Pregnancy Planning
- Preparing for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Diabetes: Planning for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Diabetes: Preparing for Pregnancy
- Pregnancy and Diabetes: Planning for Pregnancy
- Diabetes: Preparing for Pregnancy
- Video About Planning a Pregnancy
- Planning the Timing of Your Next Pregnancy
- Ending a Pregnancy
- Adoption
- Planning for Maternity and Parental Leave
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Fertility
-
Pregnancy
- Healthcare Providers During Pregnancy
-
Your Health During Pregnancy
- Dental Care During Pregnancy
- Healthy Sex During Pregnancy
- Posture and Back Care During Pregnancy
- Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
- Using Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications During Pregnancy
- Immunizations and Pregnancy
- Quick Tips: Healthy Pregnancy Habits
- Massage Therapy during Pregnancy
- Sex During Pregnancy
- Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
- Medicines During Pregnancy
- Swelling During Pregnancy
- Electronic Fetal Heart Monitoring
- Getting Help for Perinatal Depression
- Depression: Should I Take Antidepressants While I'm Pregnant?
- Pregnancy: Dealing With Morning Sickness
- Back Pain During Pregnancy
- Bedrest for Preterm Labour
- Abnormal Pap Test While Pregnant
- Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy
- Acupressure for Morning Sickness
- Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery
- Braxton Hicks Contractions
- Caffeine During Pregnancy
- Dental Care During Pregnancy
- Exercise During Pregnancy
- Fatigue During Pregnancy
- Fever During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Pregnancy: Changes in Bowel Habits
- Pregnancy: Healthy Weight Gain
- Pregnancy: Hemorrhoids and Constipation
- Pregnancy: Hot Tub and Sauna Use
- Pregnancy: Pelvic and Hip Pain
- Pregnancy: Ways to Find Your Due Date
- Estrogens
- External Cephalic Version (Version) for Breech Position
- Symptoms of Pregnancy
- Sexually Transmitted Infections During Pregnancy
- Pre-Eclampsia: Checkups and Monitoring
- Pre-Eclampsia: Expectant Management
- Gestational Diabetes
- Insulin Injection Areas for Gestational Diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes: Checking Your Blood Sugar
- Gestational Diabetes: Counting Carbs
- Gestational Diabetes: Dealing With Low Blood Sugar
- Gestational Diabetes: Giving Yourself Insulin Shots
- Ginger for Morning Sickness
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) During Pregnancy
- Nausea or Vomiting During Pregnancy
- Urinary Problems During Pregnancy
- Health Conditions and Pregnancy
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Body Changes During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Varicose Veins
- Pregnancy: Hand Changes
- Sleep Problems During Pregnancy
- Emotional Changes During Pregnancy
- Breast Changes During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Hair Changes
- Pregnancy: Belly, Pelvic and Back Pain
- Pregnancy: Stretch Marks, Itching, and Skin Changes
- Pregnancy: Changes in Feet and Ankles
- Pregnancy: Vaginal Discharge and Leaking Fluid
- Interactive Tool: From Embryo to Baby in 9 Months
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Your First Trimester
- Check-ups and Tests In the First Trimester
- Embryo and Fetal Development In the First Trimester
- Medical Care During the First Trimester
- Your First Trimester - Video
- Mothers' Physical Changes in the First Trimester
- Normal Pregnancy: First Trimester
- Week 8 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 8 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 12 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 12 weeks of pregnancy
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Your Second Trimester
- Babies Development During the Second Trimester
- Mothers' Physical Changes During the Second Trimester
- Check-ups and Tests in the Second Trimester
- Getting Ultrasounds During Pregnancy
- Video About Your Second Trimester
- Normal Pregnancy: Second Trimester
- Week 16 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside /
- Fetal development at 16 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 20 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 20 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 24 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside /
- Fetal development at 24 weeks of pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Kick Counts
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Your Third Trimester
- Check-ups and Tests in the Third Trimester
- Fetal Development in the Third Trimester
- Mothers' Physical Changes in the Third Trimester
- Prenatal Classes in the Third Trimester
- Video about Your Third Trimester
- Personal Support When You're Giving Birth
- Writing Your Birth Plan or Wishes
- Normal Pregnancy: Third Trimester
- Week 28 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 32 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 32 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 36 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 36 weeks of pregnancy
- Week 40 of Pregnancy: What's Going On Inside
- Fetal development at 40 weeks of pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Dropping (Lightening)
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Risks and Complications During Pregnancy
- High-risk Pregnancy
- Rh Sensitization during Pregnancy
- Post-Term Pregnancy
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
- Intrauterine Fetal Blood Transfusion for Rh Disease
- Miscarriage
- Special Concerns During Pregnancy
- Abruptio Placenta
- Anemia During Pregnancy
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Pregnancy /
- Asthma During Pregnancy
- Bedrest in Pregnancy
- Eclampsia (Seizures) and Pre-Eclampsia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Functional Ovarian Cysts /
- High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
- Laparoscopic Ovarian Drilling for PCOS
- Low Amniotic Fluid
- Low-Lying Placenta
- Miscarriage: Should I Have Treatment to Complete a Miscarriage?
- Molar Pregnancy
- Passing Tissue During Pregnancy
- Placenta Previa
- Polyhydramnios
- Pre-Eclampsia
- RH Factor Pregnancy
- Special Health Concerns During Pregnancy
- Subchorionic Hemorrhage
- Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy
- Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy
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Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
- Dealing with Cravings During Pregnancy
- Dietary Sources of Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy
- Exercising Safely During a Pregnancy
- Healthy Eating Guidelines for Food Safety During Pregnancy
- Healthy Eating Guidelines for Pregnancy
- Healthy Physical Activity During Pregnancy
- Healthy Vegetarian Eating During Pregnancy
- Nutrition During Pregnancy
- Pregnancy: Vegetarian Diet
- Emotional Health and Support During Pregnancy
- Safety During Pregnancy
- Alcohol and Other Drug Use During Pregnancy
- Twins and Other Multiples
- Preparing for Your Newborn
- Interactive Tool: What Is Your Due Date?
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Labour and Birth
- Labour and Delivery
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Planning Your Delivery
- Childbirth Classes
- Childbirth Planning: How to Partner With Your Doctor
- Childbirth: Labouring in Water and Water Delivery /
- Childbirth: Perineal Massage Before Labour
- Choosing Where to Give Birth Hospital or Home
- Doulas and Support During Childbirth
- Including a Doula in Your Birth Experience
- Labour Partners to Support Mothers
- Packing for Birth at a Hospital
- Pregnancy: Deciding Where to Deliver
- Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)
- Vaginal Birth After Caesarean
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Stages of Labour
- Cervical Cerclage to Prevent Preterm Delivery
- First Stage of Labour - Early Phase
- First Stage of Labour Active Phase
- First Stage of Labour Transition Phase
- Information on Fourth Stage of Labour
- Information on Second Stage of Labour
- Information on Third Stage of Labour
- Preterm Labour and Short Cervix
- Preterm Labour
- Preterm Labour: Testing for Fetal Fibronectin
- Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (pPROM)
- Telling Pre-Labour and True Labour Part
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During Labour
- Breathing Techniques for Childbirth
- Caesarean Birth - Overview and Facts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Effacement and Dilatation
- Cervical Insufficiency
- Childbirth: Epidurals
- Childbirth: Opioid Pain Medicines
- Childbirth: Pudendal and Paracervical Blocks
- Childbirth: Strep Infections During Delivery
- Comfort Positions Labour and Birth
- Epidural Anesthesia
- Epidural and Spinal Anesthesia
- Episiotomy and Perineal Tears
- Epistiotomy Vacuum and Forceps During Labour and Birth
- Fetal Monitoring During Labour HY
- Induction During Labour
- Labour Induction and Augmentation
- Local Anesthesia for Childbirth
- Pain Relief Options Labour and Birth
- Postpartum Bleeding
- Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth
- Postural Management for Breech Position
- Practicing Breathing Techniques for Labour
- Relaxation Techniques During Labour and Birth
- Spinal Block for Childbirth
- Stillbirth
- VBAC: Labour Induction
- VBAC: Participation During Birth
- VBAC: Uterine Scar Rupture
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After Labour and Care for New Moms
- After Childbirth: Coping and Adjusting
- After Childbirth: Pelvic Bone Problems
- After Childbirth: Urination and Bowel Problems
- Birth Control for New Moms
- Childbirth Afterpains
- Concerns About Sexuality After Giving Birth
- Coping with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
- Help with Urination After Giving Birth
- Managing Bowel Movements After Pregnancy
- Mom and Baby Staying Together
- Myths and Facts About Postpartum Depression
- New Moms and Abuse
- Nurturing Your Relationship After Giving Birth
- Postpartum Depression
- Problems After Delivery of Your Baby
- Strenghthing Your Pelvis After Birth - Kegel Exercises
- Vaginal Care After Giving Birth
- Video About Labour and Birth
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Parenting Babies (0-12 months)
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New Parents
- Advice to New Parents - staying calm
- Alcohol and Smoking After Pregnancy
- BC Healthy Connections Project
- Baby Blues
- Baby's Daily Needs: What to Expect
- Bonding With Your Baby
- Child Care Advice - New Parents
- Coping Strategies to Avoid Harming a Baby
- Coping When Your Baby Cries A Lot
- Coping with Crying
- Crying: Tired or Overstimulated
- Depression: Managing Postpartum Depression
- Fitness: Staying Active When You Have Young Children
- Infant Crying
- Maintaining a Healthy Weight After Pregnancy
- Making Sure Your Will Includes Your Baby
- Parenting With Your Partner
- Quick Tips: Baby-Proofing Your Home
- Sex After Childbirth
- Support Teams for New Parents
- Support for Single Parents During the First Year
- Taking Care of Yourself When Your Baby Is Fussy
- Tips for Soothing Babies
- Ways to Comfort a Crying Baby
- Your Body After Pregnancy
-
Newborns
- Bathing and Skin Care For Newborn Babies
- Bonding With Your Newborn
- Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home
- Caring For Your Baby's Umbilical Cord
- Cognitive Growth in Newborns
- Drug Withdrawal in Newborns
- Early Days with Your Baby
- Early Detection of Liver Disease
- Early Disease Screening of Newborns
- Early Tests and Treatments for Newborns
- First 6-8 Weeks at Home with Baby - Video
- Group B Streptococcal Infections in Newborns
- Helping Your Newborn Learn
- Immunizations for Premature Infants
- Importance of Skin to Skin Contact
- Important Paperwork for Newborns
- Jaundice in Newborns (Hyperbilirubinemia)
- Kangaroo Care for Premature Infants
- Language Development in Newborns
- Meeting the Needs of Pre-Term Babies
- NICU: Communicating With the Staff
- Newborn Blood Spot Card Screening
- Newborn Rashes and Skin Conditions
- Physical Growth in Newborns
- Premature Infant
- Premature Infant: Safe Travel With Your Baby
- Preparing for Visitors - Your New Baby
- Sensory and Motor Growth in Newborns
- Special Issues With Low Weight Babies
- Tips for Diapering a Newborn Baby
- Umbilical Cord Care
- Understanding Jaundice - Newborn Babies
- Ways to Comfort a Baby in the Hospital
- What to Expect When You Have an Extremely Premature Infant
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Baby Care
- Birthmarks
- Biting
- Caring for More Than One Baby
- Caring for Your Baby's Skin and Nails
- Caring for a Baby's Nails
- Circumcision
- Circumcision: Should I Keep My Son's Penis Natural?
- Cleaning Your Young Son's Natural (Uncircumcised) Penis
- Cleft Lip
- Cleft Palate
- Club Foot
- Common Types of Birthmarks
- Creating a Healthy Emotional Attachment
- Diaper Rash
- Infant Massage
- Oral Care For Your Baby
- Positional Plagiocephaly
- Quick Tips: Getting Baby to Sleep
- Screening for Hearing Problems
- Separation Protests: Helping Your Child
- Teething and Biting
- Thumb-Sucking Versus Pacifier Use
- Tongue-Tie
- Using Soothers and Stopping When it is Time
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Breastfeeding
- A Video on Breastfeeding Positions
- A Video on Breastfeeding and Skin-to-Skin Contact
- A Video on Hand Expressing Breastmilk
- Abuse When You're Breastfeeding
- Baby's First Breastmilk - Colostrum
- Breast Engorgement
- Breast Surgery and Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery
- Breastfeeding After a C-Section
- Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding Multiple Infants
- Breastfeeding Positions
- Breastfeeding Support for New Mothers
- Breastfeeding With Inverted Nipples
- Breastfeeding Your Newborn and an Older Child
- Breastfeeding a Sick Baby
- Breastfeeding and Its Relationship to Culture
- Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
- Breastfeeding and Your Milk Supply
- Breastfeeding at Work
- Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding: Baby's Poor Weight Gain
- Breastfeeding: Planning Ahead
- Breastfeeding: Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs
- Breastfeeding: Waking Your Baby
- Breastfeeding: When Baby Doesn't Want to Stop
- Caring for Damaged Nipples When You're Breastfeeding
- Common Breastfeeding Concerns
- Common Breastfeeding Positions
- Coping With Thrush When You’re Breastfeeding
- Develop a Breastfeeding Plan
- Experiencing Let-Down Reflex
- FAQs About Breastfeeding
- Flat or Inverted Nipples
- Get Started on Expressing Breastmilk
- Getting Comfortable Breastfeeding in Public
- Getting back to Breastfeeding
- Hospital Policies and Breastfeeding
- Latching Your Baby - Video
- Learning Basics of Breastfeeding
- Learning to Latch
- Managing Engorgement
- Managing Mastitis
- Mastitis While Breastfeeding
- Medications and Herbal Products for Breastfeeding Moms
- Medicine Use While Breastfeeding
- Milk Oversupply
- Nipple Shields for Breastfeeding Problems
- Nutrition While Breastfeeding
- Oxytocin
- Partner Support for Breastfeeding
- Physical Activity and Breastfeeding
- Plugged Milk Ducts When You're Breastfeeding
- Poor Let-Down While Breastfeeding
- Preventing Mastitis
- Pumping Breast Milk
- Quick Tips: Successful Breastfeeding
- Signs That Your Baby Is Getting Enough Breast Milk
- Sleep, Rest, and Breastfeeding
- Storing Breast Milk
- Storing and Using Breastmilk
- Tips for Breastfeeding Preterm Babies
- Under or Over Production of Milk During Breastfeeding
- Vitamin D Supplements for Breastfeeding Babies
- What you need to Know About Supplementing Baby Formula
- Your Milk Supply
-
Feeding Your Baby
- Alternative Feeding Methods for Newborns
- Baby Feeding Cues - Video
- Bottle-Feeding: When Baby Doesn't Want to Stop
- Burping a Baby
- Choosing Baby Bottles and Nipples
- Cleft Palate: Feeding Your Baby
- Combining Breastfeeding and Formula-Feeding
- Cup-Feeding Baby With Breast Milk or Formula
- Feeding Schedule for Babies
- Feeding Your Child Using Division of Responsibility
- Feeding Your Infant
- Feeding Your Premature Infant
- Food Allergies, Your Baby's First Year
- Getting Started and Feeding Cues
- How Often and How Long to Feed
- Introducing Solid Foods to Your Baby
- Learn More Before You Supplement Formula
- Safe Drinking Water - Your Baby's First Year
- Safe Water for Mixing Infant Formula
- Signs of a Good Feed
- Spitting Up
- Vitamin D Supplements for Babies - First Year
- Weaning
-
Baby Health
- Abdominal Gas and Colic
- Blocked Tear Ducts: Should My Baby Have a Probing Procedure?
- Bowel Movements in Babies
- Cataracts in Children
- Chronic Lung Disease in Infants
- Colic Diary
- Colic
- Colic: Harmful Treatments
- Comforting a Child Who Has a Respiratory Illness
- Common Health Concerns for Babies First Year
- Cough Symptoms in Children
- Cradle Cap
- Croup
- Croup: Managing a Croup Attack
- Crying Child That Is Not Acting Normally
- Dehydration: Drinking Enough Fluids
- Dental Care From 6 Months to 3 Years
- Dental Care From Birth to 6 Months
- Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
- Developmental Problems: Testing
- Failure to Thrive
- Gastroesophageal Reflux in Babies and Children
- Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years
- Healthy Hearing and Vision For Babies
- Immunization, Your Baby's First Year
- Orchiopexy for Undescended Testicle
- Reducing Biting in Children Ages 8 to 14 Months
- Reducing Biting in Teething Babies
- Teething Products
- Teething: Common Concerns
- Treating Asthma in Babies and Younger Children
- Understanding Flat Spots on Babies' Heads
-
Baby Growth and Development
- Babies Physical Development 0-6 Months
- Babies Physical Development 6-9 Months
- Babies Physical Development 9-12 Months
- Babies Social and Emotional Development 0-6 Months
- Babies Social and Emotional Development 6-9 Months
- Babies Social and Emotional Development 9-12 Months
- Babies and Language Development 6-9 Months
- Babies and Language Development 9-12 Months
- Children's Growth Chart
- Cognitive Development 0-6 Months
- Cognitive Development 9-12 mos
- Cognitive Development First 6-9 Mos
- Emotional and Social Growth in Newborns
- Growth and Development Milestones
- Growth and Development, Newborn
- Importance of Tummy Time for Babies' Development
- Speech and Language Milestones, Birth to 1 Year
- Stimulate Your Baby's Learning
- Tooth Development in Children
-
Baby Safety
- Babies' Sleep Position and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Baby Proofing Your Home First Year
- Choking Rescue for Babies
- Choosing and Using Baby Carriers Safely
- Safer Sleep for My Baby
- Crib Safety
- Risks and Concerns Around Bed Sharing
- Safe Chairs for Baby's First Year
- Safe Use of Strollers for Babies
- Safely Using Walkers, Playpens and Jumpers
- Safer Sleeping
- Safety at Home for Baby's First Year
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
- Sun Safety Babies for their First Year
- Physical Activity for Babies in the First Year
-
New Parents
-
Parenting Toddlers (12-36 months)
- Mealtime and Your Toddler
-
Caring for Your Toddler
- Acetaminophen Use in Young Children
- Breath-Holding Spells
- Breath-Holding Spells: Keeping a Record
- Brushing and Flossing a Child's Teeth
- Care for Toddlers' Colds and Coughs
- Crying, Age 3 and Younger
- Dealing with Dawdling and Whining in Toddlers
- Dealing with Toddlers' Challenging Behaviour - General
- Dental Care and Teething in Toddlers
- Egocentric and Magical Thinking
- Handwashing Advice for Parents of Toddlers
- Healthcare resources for sick toddlers
- Hearing Health for Toddlers
- Ibuprofen Use in Young Children
- Managing Your Toddler's Frustrating Behaviours
- Positive Parenting
- Preparing Your Toddler for Health Care Visits
- Preventing Breath-Holding Spells in Children
- Promoting Positive Behaviour in Your Toddler
- Protecting Your Toddlers Vision
- Toddler Tantrums
-
Toddler Growth and Development
- Cognitive Development 18-24 Months
- Cognitive Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Cognitive Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Different Types of Play
- Emotional Development
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Growth and Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Growth and Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Growth and Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years
- Language Development 12-18 Months
- Language Development 18-24 Months
- Language Development 24-30 Months
- Learning Through Play for Toddlers
- Learning to Use the Toilet
- Milestones for 2-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 3-Year-Olds
- My Toddler Ready for Toilet Training
- Outdoor Play
- Physical Development of Toddlers From 12-18 months
- Physical Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Physical Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Physical Development: 3-4 Years
- Physical Development: 4-5 Years
- Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
- Sensory and Motor Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months
- Speech and Language Development: Helping Your 1- to 2-Year-Old
- Speech and Language Milestones, Ages 1 to 3 Years
- Toddler Play 12-24 Months
- Toddler Play 24-36 Months
- Toddler Play Activities
- Toddler's Cognitive Development From 18-24 Months
- Toddler's Cognitive Development From 30-36 Months
- Toddlers Language Development 30-36 Months
- Toddlers Physical Development 18-24 Months
- Toddlers Physical Development 24-30 Months
- Toddlers Physical Development 30-36 Months
- Toddlers Social and Emotional Development 12-18 Months
- Toddlers Social and Emotional Development 18-24 months
- Toddlers Social and Emotional Development 30-36 Months
- Toddlers social and Emotional Development 24-30 months
- Toddlers' Cognitive Development From 12-18 Months
- Toddlers' Cognitive Development From 24-30 Months
- Toilet Training
- Toilet Training: Knowing When Your Child Is Ready
- Understanding your Toddlers Development
-
Toddler Safety
- Bathroom Safety For Toddlers
- Bed Safety Toddlers Age 3
- Bicyles Tricylces and Helmets for Toddlers
- Childproofing your Home
- Falls Prevention for Toddlers
- Fire and Burn Prevention for Toddlers
- Keeping Surfaces Clean
- Keeping Your Toddler Safe Around Pets
- Kitchen Safety for Toddlers
- Playground Safety for Toddlers
- Poison Prevention for Toddlers
- Safety Outdoors in the Cold for Toddlers
- Safety for Your Toddler in the Community
- Saftey for Toddlers in the Heat and Sun
- Staying Calm Through Challenging Behaviours
- Streetproofiing Tips for Your Toddler
- Toddler Safety Near Swimming Pools
- Toy Safety for Toddlers
- Water Safety for Toddlers
- Your Toddler: Safe Ways to Explore
- Agreeing on Parenting Styles
- Toddler Sleep
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Parenting Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- Mealtime and Your Preschooler
-
Caring for Your Preschooler
- Connecting with your preschooler and Building Self-Esteem
- Connecting with your preschooler and building coping skills
- Connecting with your preschooler and developing social skills
- Crying in preschool
- Daytime Accidental Wetting
- Dental Care: 3 Years to 6 Years
- Dental care for preschoolers
- Health and Safety, Ages 2 to 5 Years
- Learning to Share Preschool
- Praise and Encouragement
- Preschoolers: Building Self-Control
- Preschoolers: Building Social Skills
- Preschoolers: Building a Sense of Security
- Preschoolers: Encouraging Independence
- Preschoolers: Helping Your Child Explore
- Preventing Tooth Decay in Young Children
- Talking and Listening - Preschool
- Temper Tantrums in Preschool
- Temper Tantrums
- Temper Tantrums: Keeping a Record
- Thumb-Sucking: Helping Your Child Stop
- Your Child and the Dentist
- Good Sleep Habits: 10 Tips
-
Preschooler Growth and Development
- Emotional Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years
- Encouraging Language Development in Your Preschooler
- Encouraging Preschoolers creative and artistic development
- How Reading Helps Language Development
- How to Teach Your Child by Example
- Language Development 3-4 Years
- Language Development 4-5 Years
- Language Development Amazing Journey Preschool
- Language Development: 5-6 years
- Milestones for 4-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 5-Year-Olds
- Preschooler Development 3-4 Years
- Preschooler Play
- Preschooler development 4-5 years
- Speech Problems: Normal Disfluency
- Speech and Language Delays: Common Misconceptions 49
- Speech and Language Development
- Speech and Language Development: Red Flags
- Speech and Language Milestones, Ages 3 to 5 Years
- Stuttering
- Thumb-Sucking
- Why Play is Important in Preschool
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Parenting School-Age Children (6-11 years)
- Mealtime for School-Age Children
-
Caring for Your School-Age Child
- About Self Esteem and Children
- Active Listening for Children
- Bedwetting
- Building Kids Resilience
- Childhood Fears and Exposure to Violence
- Connecting With Your School-age Child
- Conversation Skills Children talking and Listening
- Conversations that Teach Children Resilience
- Dental Care for School-Age Children
- Don't Stop Having Conversations With Kids
- Establishing Limits With Your School-Age Child
- Explaining Alcohol to Kids
- Friends and Friendship
- Help Your School-Age Child Develop Social Skills
- Helping Your School-Age Child Learn About the Body
- How School-Age Children Communicate
- How to Communicate with your School Age Children
- Problem Solving Strategies
- Problem Solving for Children
- Quick Tips: Using Backpacks Safely
- Sample School Plan
- School Mornings
- Self-Esteem, Ages 6 to 10
- Talking About Tough Topics
- Why Talking is Important
- Back to School
-
School-Age Children Growth and Development 6-11
- Growing Pains
- Growth and Development, Ages 6 to 10 Years
- Learning Disabilities
- Milestones for 10-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 6-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 7-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 8-Year-Olds
- Milestones for 9-Year-Olds
- School-Age Children Creative and Artistic Development - what to expect
- School-Age Children and Play
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Parenting Teens (12-18 years)
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Teen Growth and Development
- Adolescent Sensory and Motor Development
- Cognitive Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
- Emotional and Social Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
- Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Menarche
- Menstruation: Not Having a Period by Age 15
- Milestones for Ages 11 to 14
- Milestones for Ages 15 to 18
- Physical Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years /
- Physical Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years
- Puberty Issues
- Teenage Sleep Patterns
- Your Teen's Changing Body
-
Caring for Your Teen
- A Guide for Teens and Alcohol
- Confidence in Teenagers
- Conversations that Teach Resilience
- Dealing with Disrespectful Teenage Behaviour
- Extracurricular Activities, Interests and Hobbies For Teenagers
- Getting Teens Involved in Community Activities
- Health Body Image
- Help Your Working Teen Balance Responsibilities and Set Priorities
- Helping Adolescents Develop More Mature Ways of Thinking
- Helping Your Child Transition Into Middle School or Junior High
- Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver
- Hosting Safe Teen Parties
- How to Get Back on Track After Conflict with Teenagers
- How to Start a Conversation with Teens About Alcohol
- If Your Teen is Drinking
- Medical Checkups for Adolescents
- Practicing Good Learning Skills with Teenagers
- Resilience: Helping Your Teenager Cope With Challenges
- Responsibilities
- Responsible Teen Driving
- Safe Night Out for Teenagers
- Setting a Good Example for Your Teens
- Social and Emotional Changes in Adolescence
- Talking to Your Adolescent or Teen About Problems
- Teen Privacy and Trust
- Teen Relationship Abuse
- Teen Risk-Taking: How To Handle It
- Teen Sibling Conflicts
- Teen Substance Use: Making a Contract With Your Teen
- Teenage Substance Use: Choosing a Treatment Program
- Teenage Tobacco Use
- Teens With Diabetes: Issues for Parents
- Teens and Family Relationships
- Teens and Free Time
- Teens and Friendships
- The Risks of Teenage Drinking
- Tips for Parents of Teens
- Tricky Conversations
- Your Teen's Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
-
Teen Growth and Development
- Parenting Young Adults (19 years and over)
-
Keeping Your Child Safe
- Child Safety: Preventing Burns
- Child Safety: Preventing Drowning
- Child Safety: Preventing Child Abduction
- Child Safety: Fires
- Protecting Your Child From Infections
- Child Safety: Pets
- Child Safety: Preventing Falls
- Child Safety: Streets and Motor Vehicles
- Child Safety: Washing Toys to Prevent Germs
- Choking Prevention in Small Children
- Preventing Children's Injuries From Sports and Other Activities
- Quick Tips: Helping Your Child Stay Safe and Healthy
- Child Safety: Air Pollution
- Child Safety: Bathing
- Child Safety: Bicycles and Tricycles
- Child Safety: Drowning Prevention in Pools and Hot Tubs
- Child Safety: Guns and Firearms
- Child Safety: Strollers and Shopping Carts
- Head Injuries in Children: Problems to Watch For
- Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger
- Object Stuck in a Child's Airway
- Playground Safety
- Preventing Choking
- Quick Tips: Safely Giving Over-the-Counter Medicines to Children
- Preventing Poisoning in Young Children
- Staying Healthy Around Animals
- Thinking About Child Safety
- Abuse and Neglect
- Rule of Nines for Babies and Young Children
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Bullying and Online Safety
- Adolescent Bullying, Schools and Building Your Child’s Resilience
- Bullying
- Bullying: Building a Child's Self-Esteem
- Bullying: How to Help Your Child Who Bullies
- Bullying: Signs a Child Is Bullied
- Cyberbullying
- How to Spot Bullying
- Internet Safety
- Making Sense of Media Messages: Media and Digital Literacy
- Media and Your Child: Making Choices
- Peer Pressure and Teens
- Social Networking
- Staying Connected
- Teenagers Online: Being a Responsible Cybercitizen
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Relationships and Emotional Health
- Building Good Family Relationships
- Encouraging Good Behaviour
- Handling Sibling Conflict
- Family Routines Children
- Practising Good Listening With Kids
- Helping Your Child Build Inner Strength
- Helping Your Child Build a Healthy Body Image
- Symptoms of Depression in Children
- Active Listening
- Aggression in Youth
- Appreciating Your Child's Personality
- Family Life Cycle
- Family Meetings
- Recognizing and Developing Your Children's Special Talents
- Sibling Rivalry
- Violent Behaviour in Children and Teens
- Growth and Development: Helping Your Child Build Self-Esteem
- Effective Parenting: Discipline
- Corporal Punishment
- Talking With Your Child About Sex
- Helping Kids Handle Peer Pressure
- Substance Use Problems: How to Help Your Teen
- Helping Your Child Avoid Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol
- Stress in Children and Teenagers
- Stress Management: Helping Your Child With Stress
- Family Therapy for Depression in Children
- Comparing Symptoms of Normal Moodiness With Depression in Children
- Conditions With Symptoms Similar to Depression in Children and Teens
- Warning Signs of Suicide in Children and Teens
- Taking Care of Yourself When You Have a Child With Physical, Emotional, or Behavioural Problems
- Taking Care of Yourself When Your Child Is Sick
- Grief: Helping Children With Grief
- Grief: Helping Children Understand
- Grief: Helping Teens With Grief
- ADHD: Taking Care of Yourself When Your Child Has ADHD
- Setting a Good Example for Your Kids
- Healthy Habits For a Healthy Life
- Children and Illness
- Baby's Best Chance
- Toddler's First Steps
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Birth Control
- Birth Control for Teens
- Birth Control Hormones: The Pill
- Birth Control Hormones: The Shot
- Birth Control Hormones: The Mini-Pill
- Birth Control Hormones: The Patch
- Birth Control Hormones: The Ring
- Breastfeeding as Birth Control
- Birth Control: How to Use a Diaphragm
- Birth Control
- Birth Control: Myths About Sex and Pregnancy
- What to Do About Missed or Skipped Birth Control Pills
- Birth Control Pills: Missed or Skipped Periods
- How Birth Control Methods Prevent Pregnancy
- How to Take Birth Control Pills
- Birth Control: How to Use the Patch
- Birth Control: How to Use the Vaginal Ring
- Hormonal Birth Control: Risk of Blood Clots
- Effectiveness Rate of Birth Control Methods
- Birth Control
- Diaphragm for Birth Control
- Spermicide for Birth Control
- Contraceptive Sponge for Birth Control
- Cervical Cap for Birth Control
- Birth Control: Pros and Cons of Hormonal Methods
- Intrauterine Device (IUD) for Birth Control
- Personal Stories About Choosing Birth Control Methods
- Hormonal Methods of Birth Control
- Barrier Methods of Birth Control
- Tubal Implants for Permanent Birth Control
- Birth Control Patch
- How Pregnancy (Conception) Occurs
- Getting Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control
- Male Condoms
- Emergency Contraception
British Columbia Specific Information
If you have any questions or concerns about pregnancy, labour and baby care speak with your health care provider or contact HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse anytime of the day or night, any day of the year, or a pharmacist from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
You can also read Baby's Best Chance (PDF 14.88 MB), a parent’s handbook on pregnancy and baby care.
You can also access SmartMom, a Canadian prenatal education program that provides trustworthy educational text messages to help guide you through the weeks of your pregnancy: www.smartmomcanada.ca/.
Topic Overview
Is this topic for you?
This topic provides basic information about normal labour and delivery. If you need information on pregnancy, other types of childbirth, or the first 6 weeks after childbirth (postpartum), see:
- Pregnancy
- Caesarean Section
- Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC)
- Postpartum: First 6 Weeks After Childbirth
What is labour and delivery?
At the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, your body will begin to show signs that it is time for your baby to be born. The process that leads to the birth of your baby is called labour and delivery. Every labour and delivery includes certain stages, but each birth is unique. Even if you have had a baby before, the next time will be different.
Giving birth to a baby is hard work. It can also be scary, thrilling, and unpredictable. Learning all you can ahead of time will help you be ready when your time comes.
What are the stages of labour?
There are four stages of labour. The first stage includes early labour and active labour. The second stage lasts through the birth, with the baby travelling down and out of the birth canal. The third stage is after the birth, when the placenta is delivered. The fourth stage is the first few hours after the birth.
Stage one. The muscles of the uterus start to tighten (contract) and then relax. These contractions help to thin (efface) and open (dilate) the cervix so the baby can pass through the birth canal.
Stage one has three phases:
- Early. Early contractions are usually irregular, and they usually last less than a minute. The early phase of labour can be uncomfortable and may last from a few hours to days.
- Active. Contractions become strong and regular and last about a minute. This is the time to go to the hospital or birthing centre. The pain of contractions may be moderate or intense.
- Transition. The cervix will open completely. If there are no problems, the baby should be in position to be born.
Stage two. The cervix is dilated completely and the baby is born.
Stage three. This stage occurs after the baby is born. You have contractions until the placenta is delivered.
Stage four. This is the first few hours after the birth.
How can you manage pain?
Having a support person, trying different positions, or using breathing exercises may help you cope with labour pain. You also can listen to music or use imagery to distract you and help you relax. Some women labour in water or take a shower.
Many women ask for pain medicine, such as an epidural injection, which partially or fully numbs the lower body. Even if you plan to not use pain medicine (natural childbirth), it can be comforting to know that you can get pain relief if you want it.
How can you prepare for labour and delivery?
Getting regular exercise during pregnancy will help you handle the physical demands of labour and delivery. Try adding Kegel exercises to your daily routine. They strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This helps prevent a long period of pushing during labour.
In your sixth or seventh month of pregnancy, consider taking a childbirth education class with your partner or support person. It can teach you ways to relax and the best ways for your support person to help you.
There are many decisions to make about labour and delivery. Before your last weeks of pregnancy, be sure to talk to your doctor or midwife about your birthing options and what you prefer.
You can write down all of your preferences as a birth plan. This gives you a chance to state how you would most like things to be handled. Just keep in mind that it is not possible to predict exactly what will happen during labour and delivery.
What can you expect right after childbirth?
Now you get to hold and look at your baby for the first time. You may feel excited, tired, and amazed all at the same time.
If you plan to breastfeed, you may start soon after birth. Don't be surprised if you have some trouble at first. Breastfeeding is something you and your baby have to learn together. You will get better with practice. If you need help getting started, ask a nurse or breastfeeding specialist (lactation consultant).
In the hours after delivery, you may feel sore and need help going to the bathroom. You may have sharp, painful contractions for several days as your uterus shrinks in size.
Health Tools
Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
Planning for Birth
Consider a birth plan
During your prenatal visits, talk with your doctor about your labour and delivery options. You may want to write them down as a birth plan. It's an ideal picture of what you would like to happen.
But try to be flexible. No labour and delivery can be predicted or planned. So give yourself permission to change your mind at any time. And be prepared for your childbirth to be different from what you planned. If an emergency arises, your doctor has a responsibility to ensure both your safety and your baby's safety. You may still share in decisions, but your choices may be limited.
What to put in a birth plan
When you are writing your birth plan, think about:
- Who will deliver your baby.
- Where you want to have your baby. Most women choose to work with a doctor and have their baby delivered in a hospital. Women at low risk for problems may choose to work with a midwife or have their baby at a birth centre.
- Who you want to be with you. You may want to have family and friends around you or only the baby's other parent or another support person, such as a doula.
- Comfort measures you want to try. Breathing techniques, labouring in water, trying different positions, and having one-on-one support may help you manage pain.
- Your preferences for medical treatments. Consider what type of pain medicine you would prefer, even if you don't think you'll need it. Just keep in mind that you may not always get to choose.
- How your baby will be cared for after delivery. This might include having your baby stay in the room with you rather than going to the nursery, delaying some tests and procedures, and getting help with starting to breastfeed.
This is also a good time to decide whether you'll attend (if you haven't already) a childbirth education class, starting in your 6th or 7th month of pregnancy.
To help you get started on writing a birth plan, fill out the My Birth Plan form . Take it to your next appointment to discuss your wishes with your doctor or midwife.
What to expect at the hospital
You may feel more calm and prepared for labour if you know what is likely to happen when you get to the hospital.
Most hospitals and birthing centres have birthing rooms where women can labour, deliver, and recover. Providing that you have an uncomplicated birth, you can probably be in the same birthing room for your entire stay. If your delivery becomes complicated, you can be quickly moved to a delivery room equipped to handle the problem.
If you arrive at the hospital or birthing centre in early labour that is progressing quickly, you can expect some or all of the following:
- Your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature will be checked.
- You will be asked about the timing and strength of your contractions and whether your water has broken (your membranes have ruptured).
- Electronic fetal heart monitoring will be used to record the fetal heart rate as you have contractions. Fetal heart rate shows whether the baby is doing well or is in trouble.
- You will have sterile vaginal examinations to check whether your cervix is thinning and opening (effacing and dilating).
- You may have an intravenous (IV) needle inserted, in case you need extra fluids or medicine later on.
- You may be encouraged to walk. Walking helps many women feel more comfortable during early labour.
Newborn care decisions
Before your baby is born, plan ahead about:
- Keeping your baby with you for at least 1 hour after birth, for bonding. (Many hospitals allow rooming-in, with no mother-baby separation during the entire hospital stay.)
- Preventing breastfeeding problems. You can plan ahead for breastfeeding support in case you need it. Check around for a lactation consultant. Some hospitals have them in-house. You can also make sure that hospital staff knows not to give your baby supplemental formula, unless there is a medical need.
- Delaying certain procedures—such as a vitamin K injection, a heel prick for a blood test, and the use of eye medicines—so that you have more time to bond with your baby in the hours after birth.
- Whether and when you'd like visitors, including children in your family.
- Whether to bank your baby's umbilical cord blood after the birth. (This requires advance planning early in your pregnancy.)
Signs of Labour
No one can predict when labour will start. One woman can have all the signs that her body is ready to deliver, yet she may not have the baby for weeks. Another woman may have no advance signs before she goes into active labour. First-time deliveries are harder to predict.
Signs that labour may start soon
Late in your pregnancy, your doctor or midwife will tell you what to do when you think you are in labour. Early labour can be different for every woman. At first, your contractions may not be regular, and they may happen only now and then.
You may have signs that early labour is not far off.
- The baby may settle into your pelvis. Although this is called dropping, or lightening, you may not feel it.
- Your cervix may begin to thin and open (cervical effacement and dilatation). Your doctor checks for this during your prenatal examinations.
- Braxton Hicks contractions may become more frequent and stronger, and perhaps a little painful. You may also feel cramping in the groin or rectum or an ongoing ache low in your back.
- Your amniotic sac may break (rupture of the membranes). In most cases, rupture of the membranes occurs after labour has already started. In some women, this happens before labour starts. Call your doctor right away or go to the hospital if you think your membranes have ruptured.
The key to knowing when you're in labour is that the contractions start to get longer, stronger, and closer together. You will feel them even when you change positions and are walking or moving around. After a while, it will become hard for you to talk during a contraction. You may have to stop to focus on your breathing.
When to call a doctor
Many women stay at home during early labour. During this time, it's important to know when to call your doctor or midwife.
You or someone else should call 9-1-1 or other emergency services immediately if you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you:
- Have severe vaginal bleeding.
- Have severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
Call your doctor now or go to your hospital's labour and delivery unit immediately if you:
- Have any vaginal bleeding.
- Have had regular contractions for an hour. This means about 4 or more in 20 minutes, or about 8 or more in 1 hour, even after you have had a glass of water and are resting.
- Have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina. It is possible to mistake a leak of amniotic fluid for a problem with bladder control.
- Have low back pain or pelvic pressure that does not go away.
- Have noticed that your baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal. See kick counts for information on how to check your baby's activity.
Managing Pain
You can choose from several types of pain relief for childbirth. These include medicine or breathing techniques, as well as comfort measures. You also can use a combination of these choices.
Comfort measures
There are many ways to reduce the stresses of labour and delivery. "Natural" childbirth techniques (without medicine) may help reduce pain and help you feel a sense of control during labour. Consider:
- Continuous labour support. Having a support person with you from early labour until after childbirth has a proven, positive effect on childbirth.footnote 1
- Distraction. During early labour, you can walk, play cards, watch TV, take a shower, or listen to music to help take your mind off your contractions.
- Massage. Massage of the shoulders and lower back during contractions may ease your pain. Strong massage of the back muscles (counterpressure) during contractions may help relieve the pain of back labour. Tell your labour coach exactly where to push and how hard to push.
- Imagery. Imagery is using your imagination to decrease your pain. For instance, to help manage pain, visualize contractions as waves rolling over you. Picture a peaceful place, such as a beach or mountain stream, to help you relax between contractions.
- Changing positions during labour. Walking, kneeling, or sitting on a big rubber ball (birth ball) are good options. For more information see Labour Positions.
- Focused breathing techniques. Breathing in a rhythm can distract you from pain. Childbirth education classes will teach you different methods of focused breathing.
- Labouring in water. Soaking in warm water may help with pain, stress, and sometimes slow, difficult labour.footnote 2
Other techniques without medicine
Other techniques that don't use medicine to control pain include:
- Hypnosis. This is a low-risk way of managing labour pain and anxiety that works for some women.footnote 3
- Acupuncture. Small studies suggest that acupuncture is a low-risk, effective way of managing labour pain for some women.footnote 3
Pain relief with medicine
Your options for pain relief with medicine may include:
- Opioids (narcotics), which are used to reduce anxiety and partially relieve pain. An opioid is less likely than epidural anesthesia to lead to an assisted (forceps or vacuum) delivery.footnote 4 But an opioid is usually not used when you are close to delivery, because it can affect a newborn's breathing.
- Epidural anesthesia, which is an ongoing injection of pain medicine into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This partially or fully numbs the lower body.
- Pudendal and paracervical blocks. These are injections of pain medicine into the pelvic area to reduce labour pain. Pudendal is one of the safest forms of anesthesia for numbing the area where the baby will come out. It can be helpful with fast labour when a little pain medicine is needed close to delivery.
Some pain-relief medicines aren't the type that you would request during labour. They are used as part of another procedure or for an emergency delivery. But it's a good idea to know about them.
- Local anesthesia is the injection of numbing pain medicine into the skin. This is done before inserting an epidural or before making an incision (episiotomy) that widens the vaginal opening for the birth.
- Spinal block is an injection of pain medicine into the spinal fluid. It quickly and fully numbs the pelvic area for assisted births, such as a forceps or caesarean delivery.
- General anesthesia is the use of inhaled or intravenous (IV) medicine, which makes you unconscious. It has more risks, yet it takes effect much faster than epidural or spinal anesthesia. So general anesthesia is usually only used for some emergency C-sections that require a rapid delivery.
Types of Delivery
Most babies are born in a vaginal delivery. But in some cases, other types of delivery occur by choice or because of an emergency.
Vaginal birth
During labour, the uterus contracts regularly to thin and open (efface and dilate) the cervix and push the baby out through the birth canal. It can take many hours or days for the cervix to open all the way so you can begin pushing.
Caesarean birth
A caesarean section is the delivery of a baby through a cut (incision) in the mother's belly and uterus. It is often called a C-section. In most cases, a woman can be awake during the birth and be with her newborn soon afterward.
A C-section may be planned or unplanned. In most cases, doctors do caesarean sections because of problems that arise during labour. For more information, see the topic Caesarean Section.
Vaginal birth after caesarean
In the past, a woman who had one C-section delivery had to have all of her other babies by C-section. But depending on the reason for your first C-section and the type of incision that was made, you may be able to deliver your next baby vaginally.
For more information, see the topic Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC).
Stages of Labour
The process of having a baby occurs in several stages over many hours or even a few days—from early labour through delivering the baby and the placenta. During labour, contractions in your uterus open your cervix and move the baby into position to be born.
Stage one: Early, active, and transition
Early labour
Early labour is often the longest part of the birthing process, sometimes lasting 2 to 3 days. Uterine contractions:
- Are mild to moderate (you can talk while they are happening) and last about 30 to 45 seconds.
- May be irregular (5 to 20 minutes apart) and may even stop for a while.
- Open (dilate) the cervix to about 3 cm (1 in.). First-time mothers can have many hours of early labour without the cervix dilating.
It's common for women to go to the hospital during early labour and be sent home again until they are in active labour or until their "water" breaks (rupture of the membranes). This phase of labour can be long and uncomfortable.
Active labour
The active stage of labour starts when the cervix is about 3 cm (1.2 in.) to 4 cm (1.6 in.) dilated. This stage is complete when the cervix is fully effaced and dilated and the baby is ready to be pushed out.
Compared with early labour, the contractions during active labour are more intense and more frequent (every 2 to 3 minutes) and longer-lasting (50 to 70 seconds). Now is the time to be at or go to the hospital or birthing centre. If your amniotic sac hasn't broken before this, it may now.
As your contractions get stronger, you may:
- Feel restless or excited.
- Find it hard to stand up.
- Not be allowed to eat or drink. Some hospitals let you drink clear liquids. Others may only allow you to suck on ice chips or hard candy.
- Want to start using breathing techniques or other ways to control pain and anxiety.
- Feel the need to shift positions often. This is good for you, because it improves your circulation.
- Want pain medicine, such as epidural anesthesia.
- Be given intravenous (IV) fluids.
To learn more about pain medicine, see Managing Pain.
Transition
The end of active labour is called the transition phase. As the baby moves down, your contractions become more intense and longer and come even closer together.
When you reach transition, your delivery isn't far off. During transition, you will be self-absorbed, concentrating on what your body is doing. You may be annoyed or distracted by others' attempts to help you but still feel you need them nearby as a support. You may feel increasingly anxious, nauseated, exhausted, irritable, or frightened.
A mother in first-time labour will take up to 3 hours in transition, and a mother who has vaginally delivered before will usually take no more than an hour. Some women have a very short, if intense, transition phase.
Stage two: The baby is born
The second stage is the actual birth, when the baby is pushed out by the contractions. This pushing stage can be as short as a few minutes or as long as several hours. You are more likely to have a fast labour if you have given birth before. During the second stage:
- Uterine contractions will feel different. Though they are usually regular, they may slow down to every 2 to 5 minutes, lasting 60 to 90 seconds. If your labour stalls, changing positions may help. If not, your doctor may recommend using medicine to stimulate (augment) contractions.
- You may have a strong urge to push or bear down with each contraction.
- You may need to change position several times to find the right birthing position for you.
- You can have a mirror positioned so you can watch your baby as the head comes through the vagina (called crowning).
- When the baby's head crowns, you will feel a burning pain. If this is happening quickly, your doctor may advise you not to push every time, which may give the perineum, which is the area between the vulva and the anus, a chance to stretch without tearing.
Your medical staff will be ready to handle anything unexpected. This is a time when your doctor or midwife will be deciding what is best for you and your baby.
Stage three: The placenta is delivered
After your baby is born, your body still has some work to do. This is the third stage of labour, when the placenta is delivered. You will still have contractions. These contractions make the placenta separate from the inside of the uterus, and they push the placenta out. Your medical staff will help you with this. They will also watch for any problems, such as heavy bleeding, especially if you have had it before.
You may be given some medicine to help the uterus contract firmly. Oxytocin may be given as a shot or in a vein (intravenously) after the placenta is delivered. Oxytocin is given to make your uterus shrink and bleed less. (This is the same medicine that is sometimes used to make contractions more regular and frequent during labour.) Breastfeeding right away can also help the uterus shrink and bleed less.
The third stage can be as quick as 5 minutes. With a preterm birth, it tends to take longer. But in most cases, the placenta is delivered within 30 minutes. If the placenta doesn't fully detach, your doctor or midwife will probably reach inside the uterus to remove by hand what is left inside. Your contractions will continue until after the placenta is delivered, so you may have to concentrate and breathe until this uncomfortable process is complete.
Stage four: After childbirth
It is normal to feel excited, tired, and amazed all at the same time after delivery. You may feel a great sense of calm, peace, and relief as you hold, look at, and talk to your baby. During this stage you will be watched closely for any problems.
Breastfeeding
During the first hour after the birth, you can also expect to start breastfeeding, if you plan to breastfeed.
If you breastfeed, don't be surprised if you and your baby have some trouble doing it at first. Breastfeeding is a learned technique, so you will get better at it with practice. You may have a breastfeeding specialist (lactation consultant) in the hospital to help you get started.
For information about getting a good start with breastfeeding and preventing problems, see:
Your first hours of recovery
You may have shaking chills right after delivery. This is a common reaction in the hours after delivery. A warm blanket may help you feel more comfortable.
During the first hours after the birth, your health professional or a nurse will:
- Massage your uterus by rubbing your lower abdomen about every 15 minutes. Later, you will be taught to massage your own uterus. This helps it tighten (contract) and stop bleeding.
- Check your bladder to make sure it isn't full. A full bladder puts pressure on your uterus, which interferes with contractions. You will be asked to try to urinate, which may be hard because of pain and swelling. If you can't urinate, a tube (catheter) can be used to empty your bladder.
- Check your blood pressure frequently.
- Repair the area between your vagina and anus (perineum) if it tore or if you had an incision (episiotomy).
- Remove the small tube in your back if you had epidural anesthesia. If you plan to have a tubal ligation surgery to prevent future pregnancy, the catheter will be left in.
You may also have:
-
Certain immunizations.
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap). If you need a booster for these immunizations, you may get it soon after you have your baby, before you go home from the hospital.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). If you are not immune to rubella or measles, your doctor may recommend that you have the MMR vaccine after childbirth.
- An Rh immunoglobulin shot (such as WinRho). If you have Rh-negative blood, you may get a shot of Rh immunoglobulin after delivery if your newborn is Rh-positive. For more information see the topic Rh Sensitization During Pregnancy.
Labour Positions
In most cases, you don't have to lie in bed the whole time you're in labour. (If you have an epidural or have certain health problems, you may have to stay in bed.) You can choose whichever position feels most comfortable. You may want to walk, sit on a big rubber ball, or kneel. The position that feels best for you may change as you move through labour:
Moving around and changing positions during labour may help you feel more comfortable and might help reduce the length of labour.footnote 5
Birthing positions
Birthing positions for pushing include squatting, reclining, or using a birthing chair, stool, or bed. You may find that certain positions are more comfortable than others during the pushing stage. Speak to your doctor or midwife about different birthing positions before your labour begins.
- Kneeling, getting down on your hands and knees, or leaning onto a birthing ball may help to take pressure off your back. This position might also help with back labour.
- Squatting may help you push more effectively.
- Lying on your back in a semi-reclining position with your legs supported by foot supports. While pushing, your doctor or midwife may have you grab behind your knees and pull up.
- Lying on your side is helpful if you are tired of lying on your back.
- Some birthing centres use a birthing stool or chair during the pushing stage. A birthing chair may help you feel more comfortable.
Medical Procedures
In some cases, a woman may need medical help to give birth. For instance, labour may stall, or the baby may need help to get through the birth canal. Sometimes what starts as a routine vaginal birth may end in a caesarean delivery to make sure the mom and baby are safe.
Procedures done during labour
Fetal heart monitoring and vaginal examinations are standard practice during labour, but other procedures are used as needed.
- It's helpful to know about the types of fetal monitoring you may have. Monitoring may be either continuous for a high-risk delivery, or periodic to check for signs that the baby may be in distress.
- You will have sterile vaginal examinations to check whether your cervix is thinning and opening (effacing and dilating).
- Labour induction and augmentation includes a simple "sweeping of the membranes" just inside of the cervix, rupturing the amniotic sac, using medicine to soften (ripen) the cervix, and using medicine to stimulate contractions. This may be needed if your baby is overdue (post-term pregnancy).
- Antibiotics if you tested positive for group B strep during your pregnancy.
Procedures to help with delivery
Sometimes your doctor may need to use different procedures to help deliver the baby.
- Forceps delivery or vacuum extraction is used to assist a vaginal delivery. This may be needed when labour is stalled at the pushing stage or when the baby shows signs of distress at the pushing stage and needs to be delivered quickly.
- Episiotomy widens the perineum with an incision. This is sometimes used to deliver the baby's head more quickly, when there are signs of distress.
- The need for a caesarean birth during labour is mainly based on the baby's and mother's conditions. For more information, see the topic Caesarean Section.
Related Information
References
Citations
- Hodnett ED, et al. (2012). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (10).
- Cluett ER, Burns E (2009). Immersion in water in labour and birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2).
- Smith CA, et al. (2006). Complementary and alternative therapies for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (4).
- Cunningham FG, et al. (2010). Forceps delivery and vacuum extraction. In Williams Obstetrics, 23rd ed., pp. 511–526. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Lawrence A, et al. (2009). Maternal positions and mobility during first stage labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2).
Credits
Adaptation Date: 1/19/2023
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Date: 1/19/2023
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
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