Overview
Labor is the process that opens the cervix and moves the baby through the birth canal. Delivery includes the birth of the baby and then the placenta. Labor may start on its own, or a healthcare team may recommend induction or cesarean birth if there are concerns about the pregnant person or baby.
Key Symptoms
Common signs of labor include regular contractions, lower back pain or pressure, a bloody mucus discharge, and breaking of the waters. True labor contractions usually become more frequent, stronger, and harder to talk through. Some people also feel pelvic pressure, nausea, or shaking during labor.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact trigger for labor is complex and involves changes in hormones, the uterus, cervix, and baby. Labor and delivery may be more complicated with multiple pregnancy, high blood pressure, diabetes, infection, prior cesarean birth, placenta problems, preterm pregnancy, overdue pregnancy, or a baby in a breech or unusual position. Emergency problems can also develop without clear risk factors.
Who Is Affected
Labor and delivery affect people who are pregnant. Experiences vary widely depending on overall health, age, access to maternity care, number of prior births, and where the birth takes place. Families may also be affected emotionally, physically, and financially by the birth experience.
Prevention
Not all labor complications can be prevented, but regular prenatal care can help identify concerns early. Planning where to give birth, how to get there, who will provide support, and what to do if labor starts early can improve readiness. Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful substances during pregnancy also supports maternal and newborn health.
Diagnosis and Tests
Healthcare professionals assess labor by asking about symptoms and checking contractions, the cervix, the baby's position, and the baby's heart rate. Tests and monitoring may include blood pressure checks, urine or blood tests, ultrasound, and fetal monitoring. If the waters break, the care team may also assess fluid color, infection risk, and how far labor has progressed.
Treatment Categories
Care during labor may include monitoring, movement and position changes, fluids, emotional support, and pain relief options. Some births proceed vaginally without major intervention, while others may involve induction, assisted vaginal birth, or cesarean birth. After the baby is born, the placenta is delivered and the healthcare team watches for bleeding and other complications.
Living With It
Recovery after delivery can involve vaginal soreness, uterine cramping, bleeding, tiredness, and major emotional changes. Support with feeding, sleep, wound care, and mental health can make recovery easier. Follow-up care is important for both the birthing parent and the newborn.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a maternity care professional promptly if contractions become regular, if the waters break, if there is concern about reduced fetal movement, or if labor may be starting before full term. Also seek care for fever, severe headache, vision changes, swelling, or concern that something is not right. If you have been told you have a high-risk pregnancy, follow your care team's instructions about when to go in.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get emergency help right away for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe constant abdominal pain, seizures, trouble breathing, chest pain, signs of stroke, collapse, or if the baby is coming and trained help is not present. Urgent evaluation is also needed for a prolapsed cord, green or foul-smelling fluid, or when fetal movement drops sharply. If labor starts very early or there are signs of severe illness in the pregnant person, do not delay emergency care.