When labor begins, the uterus must coordinate rhythmic, well-timed contractions to deliver the baby safely. While hormones such as progesterone and oxytocin are key contributors to that process, ...

There's a big learning curve when it comes to pregnancy. For many expecting parents, just thinking about contractions can be nerve-wracking because they are associated with pain and the start of labor ...

Researchers have developed a new imaging tool, called electromyometrial imaging (EMMI), to create real-time, three-dimensional images and maps of contractions during labor. The non-invasive imaging ...

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have developed new imaging technology that can produce 3D maps showing the magnitude and distribution of uterine contractions in ...

This mom could give labor in her sleep. Beccaa Areli slept through her contractions, and later gave birth to her daughter in a car on the way to the hospital. She posted about the “craziest experience ...

Could that weird cramp in your belly be the start of labor—or is it just another bout of indigestion? Maybe it's the real deal, or maybe it's just Braxton Hicks. Can you even have contractions before ...

The early stages of labor can be filled with a range of emotions for expecting mothers including pain and uncertainty. Preparing yourself for the unexpected — to the best of your ability — and ...

As women who have gone through childbirth know, labor contractions and the birth process are typically painful. But women have been giving birth for centuries without pain medication. There are ...

Labor can feel like a pretty mysterious thing—and when you're a first-time parent, it’s normal to be apprehensive about the whole ordeal. Many people wonder how their body will know it’s time to go ...

Giving birth is a life-changing experience for a woman. However, it often comes with feelings of anxiety, stress, and physical discomfort. In recent years, water birth has become a popular and ...