So, you're well into your last month of pregnancy and you're wondering what to pack for that final trip to the hospital in your labor bag. Below are some handy suggestions of what to include (and not to include) in your hospital bag. The most important thing is to try to be as prepared as possible and remain calm when it's time to head out to the hospital. What to Bring ?For You: Labor and Delivery….• Your ID, insurance card and any hospital paperwork you might ...

Relaxation and labor might seem like two contradictory concepts, but relaxing while giving birth is actually achievable if you use the right techniques and have the support of a good birth partner. In fact, being able to remain relaxed throughout your labor will help you have a more positive birth experience. Read on to learn more about the benefits of relaxation in labor and how to achieve it.Benefits of RelaxationStress is never good for an expecting mother, particularly during labor when the ...

As you near your due date, you might start wondering whether you should opt for a normal vaginal delivery or a Cesarean delivery. In order for you to make an informed decision and discuss things comfortably with your doctor, you might want to learn a bit more about what a C-section is and when it is usually performed.What is it?A Cesarean delivery, also known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver your baby through an incision in your abdomen and uterus. Some C-sections are plan...

Getting a C-section is inevitable when there are certain factors that hinder a normal vaginal delivery, but a C-section is not always chosen due to medical necessity; you can have an elective Cesarean if you prefer. Many women these days are opting for elective Cesareans due to various reasons discussed below. If you’re thinking of following suit, make sure you’re aware of both the advantages and the risks of C-sections before making your final decision. Your doctor will be able...

Childbirth is not always a textbook process, and doctors will sometimes need to give nature a little push by taking measures to trigger contractions and speed up labor to ensure the safe delivery of the baby and safeguard the mother’s health when the need arises. If you’re wondering whether you should discuss inducing labor with your doctor, it might be a good idea to learn about the process, the reasons behind it and the risks involved first.Reasons for Induced LaborYour doctor migh...

As explained in Inducing Labor: Reasons & Risks, labor induction can sometimes be a necessity. There are different techniques to inducing labor, some of which are medical while others are natural. Read on to learn the different options available to you and discuss them with your doctor to determine which would be more suitable in your case. Medical Ways to Induce LaborThe method of labor induction depends on the dilation, softness and effacement of the cervix, whereby all three aspects ...

One of the first steps you should take after finding out that you're pregnant is scheduling an appointment with your doctor to determine your prenatal care requirements. Your doctor will most likely set the first official prenatal test during your 6th or 8th week of pregnancy to begin monitoring your baby's development and screen for and rule out potential fetal problems or abnormalities. It is important to note that no screening method can diagnose birth defects; they can only indicate ...

Everyone talks about "eating healthy" now that you're pregnant, but eating healthy is as much about which foods to add to your daily diet as it is about which foods to avoid for the sake of both you and your baby's health. The reason behind this is that during pregnancy, your body's metabolism and circulation undergo some basic changes that leave you more susceptible than usual to food poisoning and food-borne illness, which in extreme cases can be life-threatening to your ...

As you enter your third trimester, your prenatal appointments should take place more frequently, and will typically be scheduled every other week after the 28th week until you give birth to your baby. Some doctors might ask you to come in every couple of days to monitor your progress more closely if you pass your 41st week of pregnancy. Below are some common tests that your doctor will probably have you take during this trimester.Fetal Non-Stress Test (NST)Simple and non-invasive, the non-stress...

Bringing your new baby home can be both exciting and intimidating, especially if you are not prepared. Until you're more familiar with your baby's needs, don’t over schedule; try to go with the flow, as the baby's schedule will most likely keep changing. Here are a few tips and items you will need to better prepare you for the transition:• Your Baby’s Space: Your baby will need a safe and quiet sleeping place, so think about which part of your home you can desig...