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Delivery What are possible labor complications? Serious complications are rare during labor. But some problems can happen during this time. Some of the more common ones are listed below. Fetal meconium When the amniotic sac ruptures, the normal color of the amniotic fluid is

Calculating a Due Date A typical pregnancy lasts, on average, 280 days, or 40 weeks—starting with the first day of the last normal menstrual period as day 1. An estimated due date can be calculated by following steps 1 through 3: First, determine the first day of your last

The First Trimester The first prenatal visit The first prenatal visit is the most thorough. A healthcare provider asks the parent-to-be about their health history and does a physical exam. Certain tests and procedures are also done to check the initial health of the parent and

Hormones During Pregnancy What is the role of hormones during pregnancy? Many hormone levels are affected in the body during pregnancy. Several hormones play major roles during pregnancy. These are: Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG). This hormone is made only during

Topic Index Planning a Pregnancy Prenatal Medical Care Pregnancy Common Discomforts of Pregnancy Common Tests During Pregnancy Risks to Pregnancy Warning Signs During Pregnancy Labor and Delivery Breastfeeding Your Baby Bottle-Feeding Click on the links above to learn more about

Labor What is labor? Labor is when the uterus contracts again and again to help the cervix open (dilate) and to thin (efface). The contractions get stronger with time. This causes the fetus to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts 2 weeks before or after the

Labor and Delivery Click on the links below to learn more about these topics. Labor Delivery Care of the Baby in the Delivery Room Postpartum Care Caring for the Mother: Physically and Emotionally© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not

Understanding Risks of Medicines in Pregnancy When you are pregnant, always check with your healthcare provider or midwife before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. This includes herbs and dietary supplements. All medicines affect the baby. How they affect the

The Pregnant Mother Click on the links below to learn more about this topic. Hormones During Pregnancy Weight Gain During Pregnancy Nutrition During Pregnancy Exercise During Pregnancy Work and Pregnancy Sex During Pregnancy Sleeping During Pregnancy© 2000-2025 The StayWell

Planning a Pregnancy If you're planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks for both you and your baby. Good health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. The first few weeks of pregnancy are