It is important to recognize signs of labor and know when to call the pregnancy care provider. Possible signs of labor may include:
- Contractions that become stronger and closer together
- Lower back pain and cramps that do not stop
- Water breaking, which can be a big gush or a continuous trickle
- Bloody (brownish or reddish) mucus discharge
Healthy pregnant women with no risk factors or problems during labor or delivery typically have their babies vaginally.
Cesarean delivery, also called C-section, is a surgery to deliver a baby. A woman may need a C-section in certain situations. For example:
- The mother is carrying multiples (e.g., twins, triplets)
- The mother has health conditions like HIV, herpes, or heart disease
- The mother has dangerously high blood pressure
- The mother has an abnormally shaped pelvis
- There are problems with the placenta
- There are problems with the umbilical cord
- There are problems with the position of the baby
- The baby shows signs of distress, such as a slowed heart rate
- The mother had a C-section before
Head Start programs can help pregnant women and expectant families understand what to expect during labor and delivery. Most hospitals offer tours and prenatal classes through their labor and delivery unit.
Tips and Strategies for Supporting Labor and Delivery
- Offer information to pregnant women to help them understand what to expect during labor and delivery.
- Encourage pregnant women to ask their pregnancy care provider questions about what to expect during labor and delivery.
- Support expectant families in advocating for themselves so they can make a birth plan that best fits their needs.
