Labor and Delivery Is this topic for you? This topic provides
basic information about normal labor and delivery. If you need
information on pregnancy, other types of childbirth, or the
first 6 weeks after childbirth (postpartum), see: - Reference
Pregnancy - Reference Cesarean Section - Reference Vaginal Birth
After Cesarean (VBAC) - Reference Postpartum: First 6 Weeks
After Childbirth What is labor and delivery? At the end of the
third Reference trimester Opens New Window of pregnancy, your
body will begin to show signs that it is time for your baby to
be born. The process that leads to the birth of your baby is
called labor and delivery. Every labor and delivery includes
certain stages, but each birth is unique. Even if you have had a
baby before, the next time will be different. Giving birth to a
baby is hard work. It can also be scary, thrilling, and
unpredictable. Learning all you can ahead of time will help you
be ready when your time comes. What are the stages of labor?
There are three stages of labor.