Moms Pregnancy Planner - Stages and Delivery

Read about the different stages of pregnancy and what to expect.  Learn about your delivery options, writing a birth plan, cesarean birth and recovering after pregnancy.

Midwife or Doctor - Many women today put much thought into who they would like to care for them during their pregnancy. Some women are staying with the traditional OB/GYN doctors.

Writing a Birth Plan - If you, as a pregnant woman, have specific requests that you want granted during your labor and birth, it may be wise to have everything planned out and written down in advance of the big event.

VBAC - A normal, vaginal birth usually allows a mother the chance to bond with their child immediately after the birth. However, not all women have that choice due to an emergency c-section.

Braxton Hicks Contractions - What are Braxton Hicks contractions and what do they feel like and when do they start?  This article explains the cause of braxton hick contractions and the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and true labor.

First Trimester - The first three months of your pregnancy is called the first trimester. It is here that you need to start your pregnancy off right by establishing a healthy prenatal care routine. You can start this routine by visiting your health care provider.

Second Trimester - During these monthly visits talk to your doctor about any concerns or symptoms you have had or that you are wondering about. Even if you may think they are insignificant, your doctor will want to know. To your doctor, there is no such thing as a silly question.

Third Trimester - The further into your pregnancy you go, the more your doctor will need to monitor your blood pressure and weight. It will also remain very important to monitor the baby’s heartbeat and movements.

Signs of Labor - You’re sitting at your baby shower and you ask the inevitable question. “How will I know if I’m in labor?” Of course, through a chorus of laughter, you will hear those famous words being echoed, “Don’t worry, you’ll know”.

Stages of Labor - A good sign that your labor has started may go something like this; you may feel a series of cramps, almost like menstrual cramps in your lower back or pelvic area.

Emergency C-Section - There are times when a woman needs help during labor and delivery, and inducing labor is not an option. The only other solution is to do a Caesarean delivery, or C-section.

Recovery from a Vaginal Delviery - Your recovery from vaginal birth will depend a lot on what kind of pregnancy you experienced.

Recovery from a Cesarean Section -  It is important to remember that when you deliver a baby by C-section, it is considered major surgery.