Birth: Birth – Delivery – Labor
Labor stops or does not progress explained

Labor stops or does not progress explained

What it means when labor does not progress Labor progression includes more than the cervix opening. During the first stage, the cervix effaces, or thins, and dilates while the fetal head usually descends and rotates. During the second stage, the cervix is fully dilated and the fetus moves through the pelvis with pushing and continued […]

What to do if baby comes too quickly

What to do if baby comes too quickly

Recognize when birth may be imminent Precipitous labor generally refers to labor culminating in birth within approximately three hours of contractions beginning. The defining feature is not simply that contractions are uncomfortable or close together, but that cervical dilation, descent, and delivery progress unusually quickly. A person may have little warning, especially if they have […]

Decreased or no baby movement before labor

Decreased or no baby movement before labor

What movement should feel like near term Fetal movements include kicks, rolls, swishes, stretches, and turns. As pregnancy advances, the character of movement can change: sharp kicks may become more of a rolling, stretching, or pressing sensation as the fetus occupies more of the uterus. This change in sensation can be normal, but the fetus […]

Signs of precipitous labor

Signs of precipitous labor

What precipitous labor means Precipitous labor, also called rapid labor, describes a very short interval between the onset of regular, painful contractions and delivery. The commonly used clinical threshold is birth within three hours of regular contractions beginning, although the experience exists on a continuum. Some people have a labor that is not technically precipitous […]

Uterine rupture symptoms explained

Uterine rupture symptoms explained

What uterine rupture means Uterine rupture is a full-thickness or clinically significant tear through the uterine muscle. It most commonly develops during late pregnancy or labor, when contractions place substantial stress on the uterine wall. A prior cesarean incision is the most recognized risk context, particularly when labor is attempted after cesarean, but rupture is […]

What to do if baby stops moving

What to do if baby stops moving

Treat a sudden reduction in movement as urgent Fetal movement is often described as kicking, but it can also feel like rolling, stretching, swishing, pressure, or brief jerks. The clinically important issue is a change from your baby’s established pattern. If your baby has stopped moving altogether, or movements are distinctly less frequent, less forceful, […]

Immediate steps for bleeding in labor

Immediate steps for bleeding in labor

Recognize the emergency and call for help In a hospital or birth center, press the call bell or ask someone to summon the obstetric, midwifery, anesthesia, and neonatal teams immediately. If bleeding begins outside a clinical setting, call emergency services and state that the person is in labor or has recently given birth and is […]

Severe or abnormal pain during labor

Severe or abnormal pain during labor

How labor pain normally develops Labor pain is produced by several overlapping mechanisms. During the first stage, uterine contractions reduce blood flow temporarily within the myometrium and stimulate visceral nociceptive pathways. Cervical dilation and effacement also activate sensory fibers. This pain is often felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, sacrum, or lower back and may […]

When bleeding becomes life-threatening

When bleeding becomes life-threatening

What makes bleeding life-threatening? Bleeding becomes life-threatening when blood loss compromises circulation, oxygen delivery, or the function of a critical organ. The risk depends on more than the amount of blood seen. Clinicians consider the rate of bleeding, whether it is continuing, the person’s baseline health, pregnancy or postpartum status, medications such as anticoagulants, and […]

Heavy bleeding during labor explained

Heavy bleeding during labor explained

What heavy bleeding during labor can mean Some vaginal bleeding can occur near the beginning of labor. As the cervix softens, shortens, and opens, mucus from the cervical canal may be released with a small amount of blood. This is often called a bloody show. It is usually mucus-like, streaked or pink-brown rather than a […]