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The process that leads to childbirth is called labor and delivery. There are three stages of labor. In the first stage, uterine contractions help thin and open the cervix. The second stage is the actual birth. The third stage is delivery of the placenta.
Your pain relief choices for childbirth may include medical and nonmedical treatments. Medical choices can include I.V. medicines or epidural pain relief. Massage and focused breathing are some of the nonmedical options. Sometimes both kinds of pain relief are used. Knowing your options can help you prepare for childbirth.
You can get ready for labor and delivery by taking a childbirth education class and writing a birth plan. A childbirth class can help reduce your stress both before and during labor and delivery. A birth plan tells others what your wishes are for your labor and delivery.
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