Medically reviewed by Andrea L. Braden, MD Key Takeaways Labor contractions can feel like intense cramps or pressure.Braxton-Hicks contractions do not follow a pattern and may stop with activity.Early ...

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.

Here's what happens during each stage of labor – from how long each stage lasts to what you might feel. Labor happens in three stages — early labor and dilation, pushing and delivery, and finally, ...

When labor begins, the uterus must coordinate rhythmic, well-timed contractions to deliver the baby safely. While hormones such as progesterone and oxytocin are key contributors to that process, ...

Delivering a baby is hard work. Aptly named labor, the process before childbirth can be physically and emotionally taxing — and even painful. While no two patients experience labor and delivery the ...

Using a portable device to monitor contractions in pregnant women does not help detect early labor and prevent premature delivery, a study found. The study suggests other screening tests for premature ...