As pregnancy progresses, you might find yourself thinking about labor and contractions. Learn about types of contractions, how they feel, and what they mean. Whether you're currently pregnant or ...

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 ...

A gush of water, being doubled over in pain, the head of your baby crowning. These are things many women picture when they think of labor. However, for most laboring women, these things take time and ...

Labor is the process of the fetus moving into position for delivery. It happens when a person experiences contractions 5–10 minutes apart that last for 30–70 seconds. A person getting ready to give ...

Muscle contraction is the tightening, shortening, or lengthening of muscles when you do some activity. It can happen when you hold or pick up something, or when you stretch or exercise with weights.

An irritable uterus, or uterine irritability, produces frequent and sometimes uncomfortable contractions for pregnant individuals. Although people often confuse uterine irritability with “false labor, ...

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 ...