Labor and Delivery

Signs that labor will begin soon: Engagement: The baby drops or moves deeper into the ring of pelvic bones Losing the mucus plug: Mucus that has grown into the lining of the cervix comes loose Mom has an easier time breathing Mom has to urinate more often

What is labor? When a woman’s uterus contracts to bring about the birth of a baby. Contractions of the uterus are often called labor pains

What happens during labor? Stage 1 -The uterus contracts thinning and opening the cervix stretching it over the baby’s head Stage 2 -Contractions of the uterus push the baby through the vagina and out of the mother’s body Stage 3 -With a few final contractions the placenta is then delivered from the mother’s body

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