Labor Interventions

The Myth of the Vaginal Exam
Are vaginal exams everything that they're cracked up to be?

After an Epidural
Many discussions take place on preparing for and receiving and epidural. Here is what goes on after your birth with an epidural.

IV Medications for Pain in Labor
IV pain medications have a place in labor and birth to help deal with the pain from contractions. Learn more about how they are used.

Speedy Delivery: When Forceps Are Necessary
A look at the use of forceps including diagrams for today's births.

A Better Birth: Slow Labor
A great, detailed section on how to deal with the slow labor, interventions that might be used and how to avoid unnecessary complication. From Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth.

Active Management of Labor
Dr. Marsden Wagner looks at this technique thought to shorten labor and reduce cesareans by use of pitocin and breaking the water early.

American Family Physicians on Fetal Monitoring
When should women be monitored during labor and how, from the American Family Physicians.

Cervical Checks
A look at the physiological and emotional effects of this common procedure.

Cesarean: Is it really a safe option?
Written by Henci Goer, a look at the option of cesarean birth for all women and its safety.

Episiotomy - Is it really necessary?
Episiotomy. One of the most controversial issues in childbearing today, do you know the facts and fantasies?

Fetal Monitoring
There are different methods of monitoring and different reasons to use each type. Learn more.

How Many Cesareans Are Safe?
Is there a limit to the number of cesareans it is safe to have? A look at current research.

Labor is Good for Baby
Your baby's response to labor is a helpful jump to life.

Newborn Testing & Procedures
You've planned for the birth, now let's see what comes next.

Perineal Massage
What you can do to protect your perineum.

PUSH!
Learn about the factors that influence the second stage of labor.

Should we eat or drink in labor?
Is there really updated research to back it up? Is there a better way?

The Psycho-Technology of Pregnancy and Labor
Dr. Verny looks at medical technology in birth.

Vacuum Extraction
FDA Public Health Advisory: Need for CAUTION When Using Vacuum Assisted Delivery Devices

Vaginal Exams
What exactly does a vaginal exam tell you and what should you do with that information.