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What is labor?

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

FAQ Frequently asked questions

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 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 …

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, …

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 24 Nov 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Votes: 1332 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Caesarean section

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