It’s quite a common occurrence all over the globe for a pregnant woman to go into a long and wearying labor only to learn that safe delivery could be guaranteed only by an urgent C-section. Professor Susan Wray of the Centre for Better Births comments that a prolonged labor (that may end up in having to perform a C-section) occurs in 10 per cent cases and this percentage is higher for first time pregnancies. Full story

You can surely follow a healthy routine during pregnancy, but health and fitness becomes more important as the due date comes near. If you remain active and maintain your body in a healthy and fit manner, then this eases the stress during delivery in additionally making your labor and delivery shorter. Full story

Although scientists have already proved the advantageous influence of prenatal supplements on expectant mothers (most beneficial for ones in developing countries), it appears that unnecessary pill-taking late during the pregnancy may lead to undesirable results. Full story

A study of pomegranate health benefits by the researchers at the Heidelberg University in Germany has surprisingly revealed pomegranate contains special substances that could help women giving birth. Full story

Breastfeeding being regarded as highly beneficial for the health of both mother and baby, it is recommended by scientists and doctors to breastfeed for six months in the least. Ways are sought to induce more mothers to nurse their children accordingly. But it was discovered that the use of some prescribed medications can influence the ability to breastfeed adversely. They include some painkillers and medicines that are intended to preclude postpartum bleeding. Full story

There is one premature delivery per ten births and a minor number of women may give birth as early as after 32 weeks of pregnancy. This increases the risk that a child maybe handicapped and many very preterm babies do not survive. Researchers at the Imperial College in London say premature birth disables a baby not only because underdevelopment but also because the process, triggering premature delivery, influences the fetus directly. They are sure that prevention of premature birth can significantly lower the risk of having a handicapped baby. Full story

According to Dr. David Walsh, associate professor in midwifery at Nottingham University, England, the labor pain is beneficial for both mother's and child's health. He stresses that painkillers, such as epidural anesthesia, disturb the natural process of psychological connection between mother and child. Full story

Yes, when something goes not quite according to the book during the first trimester, it increases the risk of the mother having a premature child. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) had a paper delivered at its annual meeting to the effect that if mothers suffered from certain complications during the first three months of pregnancy, premature labor may ensue. Full story

As early as two generations ago the husband was expected to stay out of the delivery room in nail-biting anticipation and show up with a bunch of flowers once the delivery is over. Now it’s almost his duty to be there and participate in the magic experience. Great deal of the change was down to childbirth classes, pregnancy books and TV shows encouraging husbands to take over new roles. Full story