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 ...

It's common to worry about the pain of childbirth. Here's the lowdown on the difference between labor contractions and pushing so you can go in fully prepared. According to a survey conducted by the ...

When you’re pregnant and get contractions, it means the muscles of your uterus are tightening and releasing. The contractions help widen (dilate) your cervix to help your baby journey through the ...

One of the biggest things a first-time mother may wonder as she approaches her due date is what contractions will feel like during labor. Many women may even wonder if they will be able to recognize ...

Braxton Hicks contractions happen with all pregnancies to help your body prepare for labor. They might feel like a mild muscle spasm, tightening in your baby bump, or menstrual cramps. Not sure if you ...

It’s normal for women to have some uterine contractions throughout pregnancy. Often, a woman is unaware of these contractions, but at other times the contractions can be painful and regular and seem ...

Common signs of approaching labor include the baby dropping lower into the pelvis (lightening), an increase in vaginal discharge, and, for some, a burst of energy known as nesting. Key indicators that ...

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 ...

A simple rule for when to go to the hospital for labor is the 5-1-1 rule for timing contractions. That said, it’s not always easy to recognize labor. Share on Pinterest Let’s hope you have a timer ...

If your contractions come regularly every 5 to 10 minutes, it's time to call your doctor. Watch for signs like your water breaking or bloody vaginal discharge, which indicate labor might be starting.

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 ...

Labor contractions can feel like intense cramps or pressure. Braxton-Hicks contractions do not follow a pattern and may stop with activity. Early labor contractions become more regular and stronger ...