A Picture Guide to Childbirth

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com Guide

As your labor progresses, the contractions of labor will change the cervix. Your cervix needs to open or dilate to 10 centimeters before your baby can be born.

Mother

• Your labor contractions will come at regular intervals that get stronger, longer and closer together.
• Your cervix thins out (effaces).
• Your cervix opens (dilates).

Baby

• Your baby moves down in your pelvis as labor progresses (station).

Previous

• Preparing for Childbirth
• The Mucus Plug and Breaking Bag of Waters
• Contractions During Childbirth
• How the Cervix Opens to Give Birth
• Fetal Head Molds
• If an Epidural is Used
• Baby's Head is Born
• Third Stage - Placenta
• Bonding with Your Baby

Next