Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What can make labor pain worse?

Some measures may actually increase the pain of labor, including: lying on your back makes the uterus contract forward and puts all the weight on your back; stress and fear increase muscular tension; oxytocin can speed up labor and intensify contraction strength, and; being dehydrated.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is labor?

Labor is the process through which the baby is born into the outside world at the end of a pregnancy.

What are the signs of labor?

Some of the more typical signs of labor include regular and painful contractions of the uterus, dilation (widening) of the cervix, a 'bloody show' - blood-stained vaginal discharge caused by the loss of the mucus plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy, …

How is labor treated?

The treatment a mother and baby receive during labor can vary widely depending on their health, the stage of pregnancy and the preferences of the mother and treating health professionals. Pain relief can be used to ease the pain and stress of labor. Some women may …

What increases the chances of developing complications during labor?

Some risk factors that can make complications more likely include: increasing age, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

What factors can trigger a preterm labor?

While the exact causes of preterm labor remain unclear, some risk factors include: smoking; uterine and vaginal infections; structural abnormalities of the uterus and/or cervix; multiple birth (twin/triplets), and underlying conditions such as …

What are the side effects of taking medications for labor?

Some of the medications used for pain relief during labor may leave the mother feeling light-headed and nauseated. Some medications may interfere with the baby's breathing and first feed. If an epidural is used for pain relief, …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Caesarean section

A caesarean section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby. This can be a planned or an emergency procedure, which involves the use of an anaesthetic for the mother prior to surgical delivery of the baby.…
Diseases & conditions

Preterm labor

Preterm labour is labour that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy have passed. It is a concern because babies born prematurely are at higher risk of serious health complications. If there are indications that preterm labour might occur, your doctor will use a range of medications to delay delivery for as long as possible, as every week that delivery can be delayed greatly reduces the risk of compl…
Diseases & conditions

Fertility

Fertility is the ability to have a baby. This requires sperm from a man to fertilise an egg from a woman. Follow the numerous stages in this journey of the sperm to reach the egg.…
Diseases & conditions

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding can happen at any stage of pregnancy. While it can be worrying, most women who experience vaginal bleeding during their pregnancy go on to deliver a normal and healthy baby.…
Diseases & conditions

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Despite its name, it can strike at any time of the day. Up to around 85% of pregnant women experience morning sickness. Fortunately, it tends to settle down by the 20th week of pregnancy.…
Diseases & conditions

Pre-pregnancy check-up

Pre-pregnancy check-ups can improve pregnancy outcomes by identifying risk factors that may cause complications and providing options to avoid such occurrences. Consulting with your doctor on lifestyle factors – such as diet, alcohol and smoking – and making some changes may result in better outcomes.…

About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 24 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 943 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Caesarean section

×

Content goes in here.