If you're pregnant and your due date is fast approaching, it's important to be able to recognize the signs that you're dilating and in labor. To help you better understand the stages of labor ...

There are 3 stages of labor. Active labor begins at about 5-6 cm of dilation. You need to be 10 cm dilated to deliver vaginally. After the birth, you’ll deliver the placenta. The cervix ...

During labor and delivery, many women feel intense pain in their lower backs. This is called back labor and is likely a result of where the baby is positioned inside the body. Back labor is not a ...

Lucy Notarantonio is Newsweek's Senior Lifestyle and Trends Reporter, based in Birmingham, UK. Her focus is trending stories and human interest features ranging from health, pets and travel.