Your Body

pregnant woman admiring herself in mirror
Photo credit: iStock.com / franckreporter

Early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, and fatigue may have been your first signs of pregnancy. For some women, pregnancy symptoms start even before a missed period – though they're more likely to surface later. Your body changes so much during pregnancy, inside and out: Find out what to expect from conception until labor and delivery, see the best pregnancy sleeping positions, and learn which pregnancy symptoms warrant a call to your healthcare provider.

Photo credit: iStock.com / franckreporter

Your Pregnancy Week by Week

pregnant woman looking at a ultrasound photos
How fast is your baby growing? See how fetal weight and height change by week during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Illustration of a line of women with growing pregnant bellies
Pregnancy in weeks, months, and trimesters
Reviewed by Lizellen La Follette, M.D., ob-gyn
Collage of various vegetables and fruits
Tiny seed to giant watermelon: How big your baby is this week
Reviewed by Judith Venuti, Ph.D., embryologist
Pregnancy due dates
animation of cord connected to cells
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Inside pregnancy: Weeks 1 to 9
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A pregnant woman sitting on an exercise ball
Staying comfortable in the third trimester: Tips from moms
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
transparent woman showing organs and womb, with text '18 weeks'
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How your body changes during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
pregnant woman at work looking at her phone
Your second trimester pregnancy checklist
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
cute couple talking and smiling while hugging each other
Your first-trimester pregnancy guide and checklist
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
third trimester expecting mom and partner
Your third trimester pregnancy guide and checklist
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman showing belly
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Pregnant bellies, week by week
woman being photographed with a small belly bump
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How to take bump photos
cartoon image of woman's breasts
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7 ways your breasts change during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
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Symptoms

woman in the restroom
Spotting during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
expecting mom holding her belly
Why your pregnant belly feels tight and heavy
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
close up of a balloon tie
How to get relief from pregnancy gas and bloating
Reviewed by Kristin Cohen, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, midwife
pregnant woman on phone looking concerned
Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman leaning over toilet feeling ill
When does morning sickness start and end?
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
pregnant woman holding breast
Why do breasts leak colostrum during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman looking irritated
What is pregnancy brain?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A pregnant woman sitting at a table, scratching her arm
Itching during pregnancy: What's normal, what's not
Reviewed by Teresa Wright, M.D., FAAD, FAAP, pediatric dermatologist
two hands fastening a bra strap
Breast changes during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Different colors of flower petals arranged in color on a pink background
What does vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) during pregnancy mean?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman standing up from the bed
Diarrhea during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman holding belly
Frequent urination during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
bowls full of snacks
Pregnancy cravings and what they mean
Reviewed by Erin Hinga, M.S., R.D., registered dietitian
pregnant woman in pain, holding her belly
Cramping during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
woman blowing her nose
Stuffy nose during pregnancy
Reviewed by Rebecca Yee, M.D., ob-gyn
woman holding her hands in front of her and checking her hand nerves
What to know about carpal tunnel in pregnancy
Reviewed by Rebecca Yee, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman's belly with linea nigra
Linea nigra
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
woman laying down and experiencing dizziness
Dizziness in pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
lightning crotch strike
That shooting pain in your groin might be lightning crotch – here's what to know
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman laughing while holding belly
Is it normal for my baby to have hiccups in the womb?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman with melasma (skin darkening) on face
Skin darkening during pregnancy (melasma or chloasma)
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman getting up out of bed and holding her back
How to ease pelvic pain during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman sitting on a couch and tapping at the tablet’s screen
Vision changes during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
woman smelling a beverage from her cup with disgusted expression on her face
Metallic taste during pregnancy
Reviewed by Emily Hu, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
pregnant woman pushing on her own back
Common pregnancy aches and pains
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman getting her blood pressure measured
High blood pressure during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman in pink blouse holding her back while sitting
Lower back pain during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Pubic symphysis joint illustration
Pubic symphysis dysfunction (SPD) in pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
pregnant woman drinking water
Excess saliva during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
large pregnant belly showing belly button flattening
How your belly button changes during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A woman sitting on a couch with her hand on her forehead.
Pregnancy headaches
Reviewed by Rae Cherng, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
medical illustration of urinary incontinence during pregnancy
Urinary incontinence during pregnancy
Reviewed by Emily Hu, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
A woman having a hot flash and cooling herself in front of a desk fan.
Is it normal to have hot flashes during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A person pulling some toilet paper from a roll
How to relieve constipation during pregnancy
Reviewed by Kristin Cohen, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, midwife
Young woman smelling beautiful hydrangea bouquet
Heightened sense of smell during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Woman looks at her pregnant belly
Why you may have a rash during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman with sciatica
How to treat sciatica during pregnancy
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
pregnant woman napping on a sofa, her arms resting on her stomach
Fatigue during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman and her partner talking
Pregnancy mood swings: How to cope
Reviewed by Juli Fraga, Psy.D., psychologist
pregnant woman with PUPPP rash on belly
PUPPP rash during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
apple with pins and needles
What's the deal with food aversions in pregnancy?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
toilet paper holder
Blood in stool during pregnancy
Reviewed by Jane van Dis, M.D., ob-gyn
woman pulling dental floss from container
Bleeding gums during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
man massaging his girlfriend’s foot
Swollen feet during pregnancy (edema)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A woman sitting on a toilet holding toilet paper.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
Black, pregnant woman with long hair leaning against a fence.
What to know about pregnancy hair and nail growth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman lying on a sofa and blowing her nose while holding a cup in her right hand
How to deal with nosebleeds during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
leg with obviously swollen or varicose veins
Varicose veins during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
itching belly in pregnancy
What is cholestasis of pregnancy?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
overhead view of a women's hands holding a knife and fork over a plate filled with ice
What is pica disorder, and how will it affect my pregnancy?
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
woman suffering from nausea sitting on bed hunched over drinking tea
Morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A pregnant woman with her feet up on the couch; her partner is massaging her feet.
Do your feet grow during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A pregnant woman holding her back and stomach in discomfort
Unpleasant side effects of pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A woman washing her face and looking at herself in the mirror.
Pregnancy acne: Causes and treatment
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A pregnant woman gently touching her belly.
Pregnancy glow
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
woman with injured foot lying on couch
Clumsiness during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
silver balloon inside a blue box on a purple background
Totally normal pregnancy symptoms I wish I knew to look out for
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman sitting on the floor next to her bed with feeling ill
Hyperemesis gravidarum (severe morning sickness)
Reviewed by Emily Hu, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
belly button on a belly filled with stretch marks
Stretch marks during and after pregnancy
Reviewed by Madeliene Gainers, dermatologist
woman at sink looking sick
Heartburn (acid reflux) during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A top angle view of a pregnant person sitting on the toilet, holding a roll of toilet paper and holding their stomach, text reads: BabyCenter Answers, Vaginal odors and discharge during pregnancy
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Vaginal odors and discharge during pregnancy
Reviewed by Emily Holthaus, M.D., ob-gyn
a woman's left hand pressing on her own right wrist
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How to do acupressure for morning sickness
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
Layan Alrahmani and the text "Discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?"
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Vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Woman looks in mirror while putting skin cleansing patch on her nose.
6 pregnancy skin problems you might develop
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
cartoon image of pregnant woman touching her forehead
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Pregnancy headaches
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
My pregnancy rash turned out to be a condition that causes stillbirth
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
tray with ginger, mint, and water with text: 9 remedies for morning sickness
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9 remedies for morning sickness
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
laughing woman talking into microphone - text says: mom confidential: best and worst pregnancy symptoms
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Best and worst pregnancy symptoms (Mom Confidential)
cartoon image of pregnant woman in pain
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Pregnancy and lower back pain
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
cartoon image of pregnant woman's belly with bubbles inside
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Pregnancy gas and bloating
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman talking
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What it's like to have morning sickness
cartoon image of pregnant woman in bed smiling
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Pregnancy swelling (edema)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
cartoon image of pregnant woman looking at belly in mirror
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Pregnancy stretch marks
Reviewed by Prathima Setty, M.D., ob-gyn
cartoon image of woman looking forlorn
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Pregnancy constipation
Reviewed by Prathima Setty, M.D., ob-gyn
woman's hands massaging another woman's forehead
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Pregnancy massage for relaxation
cartoon image of pregnant woman drinking a glass of water
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Pregnancy and frequent urination
Reviewed by Prathima Setty, M.D., ob-gyn
cartoon image of pregnant woman with birds swirling overhead
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Pregnancy dizziness
Reviewed by Prathima Setty, M.D., ob-gyn
Layan Alrahmani and the text "Do you have heartburn during pregnancy?"
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Pregnancy heartburn
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman sitting on couch talking
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Are sensitive or bleeding gums normal during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Jeannette Lager, M.D., MPH, ob-gyn
Dr. Layan Alrahmani
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Are there early signs that mean you're having twins?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Layan Alrahmani and the text "Can pckle juice really help heartburn during pregnancy"
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Can drinking pickle juice help with heartburn during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Dr. Sasha Hakman
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Can pregnancy symptoms come and go?
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Sasha Hakman and the text "How early will I start to feel symptoms after getting pregnant?"
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How early do pregnancy symptoms start?
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Dr. Layan Alrahmani
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Is it normal to have brown discharge during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Layan Alrahmani and the text "Weird pregnancy symptoms: Metallic taste"
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Metallic taste during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Courtney Olson holding two pumps and the text "4 reasons why your milk supply might be decreasing"
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Reasons why your milk supply might be decreasing
Reviewed by Courtney Olson, MS, CCC-SLP, IBCLC, lactation consult and infant feeding specialist
An image of Dr. Sasha Hakman, headline reads "Round ligament pain during pregnancy"
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Round ligament pain during pregnancy
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Sasha Hakman and the text "4 tips to help cope with morning sickness"
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Tips to help cope with morning sickness
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up a pregnancy belly band, headline reads "Types of pregnancy belly bands"
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Types of pregnancy belly bands
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
Layan Alrahmani and the text "Weird pregnancy symptoms: Varicose veins"
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Varicose veins during pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Layan Alrahmani and the text "Why you may hear a popping or clicking sound in pregnancy"
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Why you may hear a popping or clicking sound in pregnancy
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
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Labor & Delivery

A woman holding a newborn baby
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Live birth: Natural
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
doctor examining pregnant woman
Cervical dilation and effacement
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman kneeling down and resting her head during early labor
Recognizing the signs of labor
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman looking down at her belly
Castor oil to induce labor
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
several pieces of clothes, accessories and other necessities woman needs to bring to a hospital
Hospital bag checklist: What to pack for labor and postpartum
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
side view of a pregnant woman looking down at her pregnant stomach
Are you feeling Braxton Hicks contractions or going into labor? Here's how to tell
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
woman having membrane sweep
Membrane sweep: One way to get your labor started
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A pregnant woman having a contraction
Moms who've been through it share what contractions feel like
Reviewed by Kristin Cohen, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, midwife
tiny newborn wrapped in blanket
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Live birth: Epidural
Reviewed by Lizellen La Follette, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman and partner rubbing her belly
Natural ways to induce labor
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A cork covered in a clear, thick liquid
What is your mucus plug and what does it look like?
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
woman in hospital bed with newborn baby
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Live birth: C-section surgery
Reviewed by Lizellen La Follette, M.D., ob-gyn
image representing a cervical check
Do you need cervical checks during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman resting on birth ball
What's a sunny-side up baby?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman and her partner packing up car to go to hospital
When to go to the hospital for labor
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A surgeon and a nurse performing a c-section on a woman in an operating room
Will some of my organs be moved outside my body during a c-section?
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
diagram of breech baby, facing head-up in uterus
What to know if your baby is breech
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Pregnant woman on the phone with doctor
What it feels like when your water breaks
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
pregnant woman clutching belly while looking at laptop
How to deliver a baby by yourself
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
thoughtful pregnant woman looking down
Evening primrose oil is rumored to induce labor – but here's why many experts say to avoid it
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman making her birth plan
Here's what to include in your birth plan, and a template to use
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
worried pregnant woman looking out of window
Why steroids are recommended for preterm labor
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
a woman holding her newborn baby in her hospital room after delivery
How long do you stay in the hospital after giving birth?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman having a Pitocin induction
Pitocin induction: Benefits and side effects
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
baby in bassinet after birth
How many babies are born in a day?
By Karen Miles
mother holding swaddled newborn baby
Fetal macrosomia: What it means to have a too-big baby
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman sitting on toilet
What's bloody show – and is it normal during pregnancy?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant women in labor getting examined by a doctor
How to push during labor
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman leaning on wood fence outdoors
What happens if you go past your due date?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Miles circuit
Some moms swear by 'the Miles Circuit' to induce labor – but does it actually work?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A close-up of a newborn baby's foot, with measuring tape against it
What's the average baby height (length) at birth?
Reviewed by Chandani DeZure, M.D., FAAP, pediatric hospitalist
a woman assisting a pregnant woman in a tub filled with water
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Giving birth with a midwife
woman with hand on belly at medical office
Breech, posterior, transverse lie: What position is my baby in?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman in bra in large bath tub
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Live birth: Water birth
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman in hospital bed talking to nurse
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Labor & birth tour: Delivery room
woman in the final stage of labor
What's the ring of fire in pregnancy?
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
A newborn baby wrapped in a receiving blanket in the hospital.
What happens to your baby right after birth
Reviewed by Liz Donner, M.D., pediatric hospitalist
mother lying down with a newborn on her chest
Natural childbirth: Benefits and risks of unmedicated birth
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
pregnant woman sitting on the bed, smiling and holding her stomach
What is a full-term pregnancy?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A woman in hospital bed with an IV in her arm, she is smiling and giving a thumbs up to the camera
Do I have to get an IV during labor?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman bending over onto a gym ball practicing labor positions
Labor positions
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
image shows a catheter with Foley balloon
What is a Foley bulb induction?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
mom meeting her baby right after a C-section
Here's exactly what happens during a C-section, and how long it takes
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
pregnant woman waiting for an induction
How is Cervidil used during labor induction?
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
pregnant woman with back labor pain
What is back labor?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman massaging lower back of a pregnant woman in a chair
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Pregnancy massage for back pain
The Lamaze method of childbirth
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman in labor
Precipitous labor and birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman in hospital bed with fetal monitoring device on her belly
Continuous vs. intermittent fetal monitoring: What's the difference?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman's hands with massage oil
Perineal massage
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
animation of full-term baby with head near vagina
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Inside pregnancy: Labor and birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
pregnant woman in hospital being prepped for c section by surgical team
Uterine rupture
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
mom in labor at the hospital
The stages of labor and delivery
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
woman lying in hospital bed
Inducing labor: Why and how providers induce labor
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Woman in labor holding partner's hand
The Bradley Method of childbirth
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
A woman leaning over a pregnant woman, using a baby doll to explain labor position and childbirth.
Childbirth classes: Your complete guide
Reviewed by Chandani DeZure, M.D., FAAP, pediatric hospitalist
colorful rings and balls representing Bishop score
What is a Bishop score – and what does it mean for your labor?
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
A pregnant woman and her partner sitting on a couch, looking at something on a phone.
How to prepare for a baby: 10 essential things to do before your little one arrives
Reviewed by Linda Jones , doula
pregnant woman laying on a hospital bed with I.V. needle attached to her hand
Thinking about getting an epidural? Here's what to know
Reviewed by Cheryl Axelrod, M.D., ob-gyn
tired new mother holding her newborn
What to know about perineal tears during birth
Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
mom and newborn after vaginal birth
What happens during a vaginal birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
birthing comb
This surprising household item gave me the most pain relief during labor
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
illustration of a pelvis
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How pregnancy changes your pelvis
Reviewed by Emily Hu, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
man and woman in hospital talking to doctor
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Live birth: Epidural (No nudity)
Reviewed by Lizellen La Follette, M.D., ob-gyn
man and woman in medical scrubs
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Labor & birth tour: Operating room
Pregnant couple consulting with the doctor
Choosing a hospital for labor and delivery
Reviewed by Jennifer Wu, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
How to use a peanut ball during labor
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
woman in hospital bed talking to medical worker
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Live birth: Induction
A couple in a birthing room bed with a newborn on the mother's chest
Curious about giving birth at a birthing center? Here's what to know
Reviewed by Kristin Cohen, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, midwife
Newborn baby's cord being clamped
What are the benefits of delayed cord clamping?
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
new mom and infant together shortly after birth
Considering a home birth
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
male partner comforting woman in labor
6 things a doula wants your partner to do during labor
Reviewed by Shannon Smith, M.D., FACOG, ob-gyn
Woman in labor
Shoulder dystocia during delivery
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
watercolor illustration of size of cervix as it dilates during labor
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How your cervix dilates during labor
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
a needle being inserted into the spine of a woman, in a medical setting
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Getting an epidural
pregnant woman with doctor feeling her belly
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Positions your baby might be in during birth
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman showing a standing piece of medical equipment
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Labor & birth tour: Birth center
woman in labor surrounded by her medical team
Forceps and vacuum deliveries
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
A double exposure-style image of a pregnant woman lying in a bed with flowers overlaid
Does hypnobirthing really work? Here's everything to know about this labor pain management method
Reviewed by Kristin Cohen, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC, midwife
picture of a lotus to represent lotus birth
What is a lotus birth, and is it safe?
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
Dr. Sasha Hakman holds up a butternut squash to demonstrate perineal massages, headline reads "How to do a perineal massage"
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How to do a perineal massage
Reviewed by Sasha Hakman, M.D., M.S., ob-gyn
mother holding a newborn immediately after birth
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
Reviewed by Layan Alrahmani, M.D., ob-gyn, MFM
woman and her newborn baby
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