During pregnancy, the muscles of the uterus are relatively inactive. A switch to an activated state capable of strong contractions is therefore essential prior to the onset of labor. New research ...

Each contraction in labour has a purpose: to open your cervix, move your baby lower, and prepare your body for birth. Ideally, these contractions follow a smooth pattern: they rise in intensity, peak, ...

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, ...

Contractions are when the muscles of your uterus tighten and relax to get ready for childbirth. These muscles help push your baby down the birth canal. Once you reach week 37 of your pregnancy, it ...

As pregnancy progresses, many women experience contractions that can leave them wondering if labour has begun. Braxton Hicks contractions, often referred to as ‘false labour, are a common occurrence ...