induce labor

In the U.S. today, about 4 percent of babies are breech at full term, which means they’re in position to exit the uterus feet- or butt-first rather than headfirst. Before 1959, virtually all ... READ MORE

Too Late, Baby

Ask any mom whose pregnancy went into extra innings: Right around your due date, the phone calls, emails and texts start coming: “Is anything happening?” “What does the doctor say?” ... READ MORE

Oregon’s ‘Hard Stop’ On Early Inductions and C-Sections

Oregon, my home state, is being heralded as the latest state to take a hard line on out of control c-sections and inductions. Here’s what the headlines say:Hospitals take 'hard stop' on early ... READ MORE

Why Counting Down To Your Due Date Is A Bad Idea

I have two friends who are due at the end of August. Both are first timers, healthy and had fairly easy pregnancies. There’s been a little nausea here and there and a few aches and pains, ... READ MORE

Near-Term Inductions And Newborn Mortality

Melanie had a pretty good idea when she got pregnant. She knew roughly when she’d had her last period and more or less when she and her boyfriend “did it.” That’s how her doctor determined ... READ MORE

When Push Comes To Shove

While your birth experience will be as unique to you as your new baby, the phases of labor and delivery are the same for everyone. During pregnancy the opening of your uterus, the cervix, is ... READ MORE

Gestational Diabetes Versus Unwanted Interventions

Deborah is 36 weeks pregnant and has gestational diabetes. She’s been careful about diet and exercise and has maintained very stable blood sugar levels. Her doctor, however, is warning her ... READ MORE

40 Weeks and Counting

Can orgasm induce labor

Almost Due and Over Due

The longest weeks of my life were the ones right before my due dates. I was convinced with every pregnancy there was no way I'd go full term. I'd contract away for weeks in advance. I ... READ MORE