Labor

The marginal product of labor is an economic concept that measures the extra production created by adding one extra unit of labor. The marginal product of labor is a function of a number of factors,…

Castor oil, derived from the castor bean, is an ingredient commonly used in soaps, inks, and plastics, and is also believed to have medicinal properties. For past generations the memories of daily…

If you're a pregnant women trying to induce labor naturally, consider drinking castor oil. While not the most enjoyable thing to digest, studies have shown castor oil to be helpful in inducing labor…

As you prepare to give birth, you may be learning about ways to stay relaxed and manage the physical sensations of labor. Breathing is one way to cope with labor pain. Breathing techniques can help…

Being a labor and delivery coach is an important job. Whether you are the spouse of the woman in labor or you are a friend or family member, it is your job to make the experience as pleasant and…

Nine months of pregnancy can feel like long enough without having to wait an extra week or two. For many reasons, doctors or midwives sometimes must encourage labor to start instead of waiting for it…

Labored breathing, also referred to as shortness of breath or dyspnea, is a common complaint during pregnancy. Though it is uncomfortable and often annoying, it is in fact normal. There are several…

When labor is induced, it means that labor is jump-started with medicines. This begins the process of birthing your baby. Typically, labor is induced because the mother is past her due date or there…

For years, workers in hospital maternity wards have claimed an uptick in women going into labor during a full moon. Some studies have shown that correlation is possible, but other more recent ones…

Labor is the natural process in which mothers deliver their baby vaginally through contractions of the uterus and dilation of the cervix. Sometimes labor can be a quick process for moms-to-be, while…

After you labor and are fully dilated, the pushing phase of birth begins. Spontaneous pushing, also known as mother directed pushing, means listening to your body and pushing with the natural…

Your pregnancy is the one time in your life where you must take care of your physical state for you and your baby's sake. Using a simple birthing ball, you can practice labor exercises before birth so…

Childbirth is an extremely personal experience that many partners often choose to do alone; however, there are family members, friends and other acquaintances that often want to be a part of the…

Epidural anesthesia is probably the most popular form of pain relief used during labor. Epidurals work by blocking the nerve impulses from the lower spine. This results in decreased sensations in the…

Prodromal labor is early labor that takes an unusually long time. Prodromal labor can occur for a day or more and may frustrate you at what seems to be a total lack of progress. During prodromal…

Labor induction means starting your labor artificially. The reasons for labor induction includes no contractions although your water bag is already broken, overdue baby and health issues that maybe…

It's an understatement to say that being in labor is one of the most exciting times in a parent's life. Despite the pain that also happens when you're in labor, nothing quite compares to the…

A good labor coach can impact the birth experience. Labor coaches provide support and encouragement during the labor process. A good labor coach helps the expecting mom through her labor and works to…

If you are pregnant, you will get lots of advice from people on different symptoms you could have that may be indicators of pre-term labor. The truth is, it's hard to know whether you're in labor or…

It can be a real challenge to know if you are in true labor. However, there are quite a few things that may happen that can assure you true labor is beginning. Despite common theory, your amniotic sac…

Throughout labor, primarily second stage, the baby goes through five distinct actions called the "mechanism of labor." This article explains these five actions and how they assist the baby to make his…

Emotional dystocia in labor that is unresolved can lead to a cesarean. Emotional dystocia is the clinical term for emotional stress. When a woman experiences emotional stress in labor, the…

Labor feels nothing like putting a part of your body in ice. Although the ice is cold and uncomfortable, you can quit at any time. Labor is something that will not stop until the job is done, meaning…

In labor, we seem to focus on just one factor when it comes to progression: the dilation of the cervix. We tend to believe that each time the doctor checks the cervix, it should be two or three…

You don't have to be a certified massage therapist to give a laboring mom a good rub down, as long as you are careful. Moms in labor are usually quite sensitive to touch and smells. So, you must be…

Unfortunately, cesareans are very common in our society. They are done for various reasons: elective, labor is taking too long, the doctor becomes impatient, it's the weekend, first-time mothers think…

Many women in labor enjoy relaxing with a guided script. Although there are many programs available that have scripts already written, sometimes it is easier for a mom to relax to her own script. By…

It can be difficult for an expectant mother to tell the difference between genuine and false labor, which is also known as "Braxton Hicks" contractions. This is especially true for first-time mothers…

Millions of women have gone through labor successfully (some more than once), and so will you. Here are some tips to help you get ready for the big day.

With the birth of your child just a short time away, your partner is in need of some serious support, both emotional and physical.

The onset of labor varies from woman to woman, but there are some clear markers that will let you know the time has come.