Synthetic IV oxytocin infusion during childbirth – commonly referred to as Pitocin or just Pit  – is one of the most common obstetric interventions. In this post we'll take a look at what oxytocin hormone is and what its role is during birth and what crucial differences are...

As your due date approaches, it's possible that your healthcare provider might suggest a membrane sweep as a means to initiate labor. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a membrane strip or stretch and dilate. In the US, it's even offered as early as week 38 or 39. In this post, we'll...

As your due date draws nearer, it can be quite tricky to determine whether you're really experiencing the start of labor or just going through the warm-up phase. So in this post I will address the question that crosses probably your mind too: how will you be able to tell when you are truly in...

How much pain is childbirth? I believe that's the question every expecting mother has in mind as the due date approaches. However, it's a topic that is hardly discussed in books about pregnancy and childbirth. Even if you ask your friends or relatives who have given birth, you'll receive a wide...

Are there any means to verify labor progress apart from pelvic exams? The answer is definitely yes! However, unfortunately, not everyone is aware of these methods, and even if care providers are aware, they sometimes do not trust them. Pelvic exams have traditionally been used to determine labor...