Pregnancy: Information You're Expecting

Palo Alto Medical Foundation answers basic delivery questions like "How will I know it is labor?" and "How will I manage the pain?" There is also a link to "Labor and Delivery Decisions" to help you decide what kind of birth you would like to have. The "What to pack for the hospital" and "Common Concerns" links are must-sees as you prepare to go to the hospital.

HealthSquare.com thoroughly explains the process of labor and delivery. Read about the symptoms of labor and how to know when to go to the hospital. The text is full of detail and complimented with illustrations that show the baby's position in the womb and the anatomy of a mother's body as labor begins. Advice on how to make labor as comfortable as possible is also included.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists provides you with this patient education page. If you scroll down the page, you'll come to the sections on labor and delivery. It reviews preterm labor, delivery by cesarean section and vaginally, and the postpartum or after delivery period.

Parents.com has found a way to answer that age-old question, "Am I in labor?" Use this nine-question multiple choice quiz to help you decide if you aren't sure.

The American Pregnancy Association explains what Braxton Hicks contractions are, what causes them, and how to relieve them.

The Medem Web site carries this article from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on Cesarean birth. The article covers what Cesarean birth is, why it is performed, and how it is done.

The American Pregnancy Association provides this page on how to have a positive birth experience with a Cesarean section. The authors offer different tips for you and your partner to consider.

MedLinePlus  has an interactive tutorial on Cesarean sections. The same information is available in a text format so it can be printed, and is also available in Spanish.

Mayo Clinic addresses the issue of vaginal delivery following a Cesarean delivery. This section reviews the basics and examines when a vaginal birth after Cesarean section (VBAC) may not be recommended.

Parents.com 's section on "Pregnancy" covers the different methods of childbirth. Click to read "All About Lamaze" or "The Bradley Method."

The Bradley Method is a method of natural childbirth that focuses on relaxation during labor. This site answers frequently asked questions about the method and provides information on courses offered to pregnant women and their partners. Find a certified instructor in your area using the clickable map, or search by state, area code, or zip code.

BirthPartners.com is an international directory for natural childbirth. Put your zip code into the search box to find resources in your area, or select your home state and browse options. You'll find information on midwives, doulas, breastfeeding support, pregnant yoga and pilates services, waterbirth, herbalists, massage therapists, and holistic pediatricians, to name a few.

Hip Chick Pregnancy Guide is a compilation of sources put together by a recent mother who chose natural birth. The information is thorough and informs users about birthing options in the hospital, at birth centers, and at home. Learn about the Bradley Method, Hypnobirthing, and the Lamaze Method, along with other specific natural birthing topics. The site also includes a blog that hosts commentary by other hip moms.

The American Pregnancy Association reviews the pros and cons of home birth and discusses who may be a candidate for home birth and who would be at risk for complications. They also offer tips for home birth and recommended reading.

Natural Birth and Baby Care.com has information and advice for women who choose to give birth at home, or who want to make the birthing procedure as natural as possible in the hospital environment. Scroll down the page for especially thorough explanations of home birth, natural birth, and birth stories shared by moms who chose to have natural or home births.

The Midwives Alliance of North America reviews the role of midwives during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This page gives you information on how to get information regarding midwives in your area.

The American College of Nurse-Midwives has a consumer section of the site called myMidwife.org. Find information about pregnancy and women's health as well as links to directories of midwives, resources for childcare, breastfeeding, and Cesarean section births.

Midwifery Today has articles about midwifery, natural and water births, doulas, and more. This site also has a directory to help you find a midwife or doula. Those interested in becoming a midwife can find resources here as well.

SheKnows' Pregnancy & Baby site helps you create your own birth plan: indicate your blood type, any physical conditions you have (such as diabetes), how you want labor to be induced, what you want the environment of the room to be like, and whether you want drugs or would be comfortable with a Cesarean section. Try not to get too distracted by the colorful ads all over the site.

Justmommies offers another birth plan with similar options. This plan reminds you to focus on the environment where delivery takes place.

Oregon Health and Science University explains what happens immediately after delivery in this article on infant care. Learn what to expect during the physical examination of your newborn, and the different measures taken depending on vaginal or Cesarean delivery.

Postpartum Support International is an organization that promotes awareness and healing for women who suffer from postpartum depression. The site details the nature of the problem and offers links to support groups nationwide. You can also participate in an open forum for additional support.

MedicineNet answers common questions about postpartum depression. Learn about signs and symptoms, who is most at risk, and what you can do to treat the problem. Visit the "Postpartum Depression Related Articles" for help with similar conditions.