# What To Expect During Labor Labor and birth are incredible milestones in your journey to becoming a parent. Whether this is your first baby or you’ve done this a few times before, it’s natural to have questions about what to expect during labor. ### All What To Expect During Labor Resources Showing 9 of 13 Filter by Content TypeArticle [ ![BMC_01.29_16:9 - Grid-Comfort](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/9ae2512d-f6c9-4014-9b11-d51b96b3372a/BMC_01-29_16-9-Grid-Comfort?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### Unmedicated Labor Options and Comfort Techniques Most people who give birth will need some support to manage the pain of contractions. There are many safe and helpful ways to increase your chances of coping well throughout the process, such as childbirth education, doula support, and hydrotherapy. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/comfort-techniques-unmedicated-labor) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-InternalMon](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/83dfa7e7-eec2-499d-9c7e-97f2efaeb740/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-InternalMon?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### Medical Induction of Labor Many people who go past their due date may have an induction of labor, which is when a provider starts your labor using various methods in the hospital or at home. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/medical-induction-labor) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-Labor4](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/2877cdc8-d375-45f0-9e57-1c64f34ad1f1/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-Labor4?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### What to Expect in Labor and Birth Every birth is unique, but knowing what typically happens during labor can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here’s what you may experience during early labor, active labor, transition, pushing and birth, and delivery of the placenta. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/stages-labor) [ ![BMC_01.29_16:9 - Grid-Induction](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/1a019510-ca83-4bb9-8151-d311f009562f/BMC_01-29_16-9-Grid-Induction?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### Everything You Need to Know About Labor Induction Induction of labor is when medicines or treatments are used to start labor, before it starts on its own. Labor induction takes time and may be longer than you expect. It may feel different from labor that starts on its own. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/inducing-labor) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-Labor](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/cf6bc1c5-a944-4e64-ad2c-753a50c3b662/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-Labor?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### Support During Your Labor and Birth Having support can be very helpful during labor and birth. Your support person may be your partner, a friend, a family member, or the father of the baby. In addition to your support person, you can also have a doula present at your delivery. The choice is yours, but make sure to plan ahead of time for the support you need. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/support-during-labor-and-birth) [ ![Hero-C-Section](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e8f8aa27-30f2-4553-bef8-95e0647e5186/Hero-C-Section?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### Having a C-Section A cesarean birth (C-section) is a surgery to deliver a baby through the belly. Most people who go into labor have a vaginal birth. But sometimes, a C-section is the safest way to give birth, even if you planned to give birth vaginally. Knowing what to expect can help you feel ready, no matter what happens. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/having-c-section) [ ![Shared-Decision-Making-1](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/da14a6ee-4c8b-4c18-8f6d-413deda996ea/Shared-Decision-Making-1?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### Planning Your Next Birth After a C-Section If you had a C-section with your last birth, you now have two choices as to how to give birth to your new baby. Some people plan to have another C-section (called an elective or planned repeat cesarean birth), while others plan to have the baby vaginally (called a vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC). Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/planning-vbac) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-PeanutB-2](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/4eaa4ef2-67e3-4f3a-b851-548449ebfcfb/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-PeanutB-2?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### Laboring and Pushing Positions There are lots of different ways to move or position yourself during labor. In general, the best one is whatever feels most comfortable for you, but your care team may suggest certain options. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/laboring-pushing-positions) [ ![Beautiful pregnant mother touching and looking at her pregnant belly at home](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/1e4dd61e-72aa-4b55-9cae-0e9a7dec8202/iStock-1129026919?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![What To Expect During Labor](/sites/default/files/2025-10/what-to-expect-during-labor.svg)What To Expect During Labor#### How to Tell if You’re in Labor If you think you’re in labor, call us right away! We can help you decide if you should come to the hospital or wait at home. Here are some signs that labor might be starting, and other signs to watch for. Article ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/what-expect-during-labor/how-tell-if-youre-labor) #### Pagination - - [ Current page 1](?page=0 "Current page") - [ Page 2](?page=1 "Go to page 2") - [ Next page ](?page=1 "Go to next page") ## Explore the Next Phases of Pregnancy Peek ahead to what's next or dive right into our full resource collection. Either way, we hope you feel supported with what you need as you continue on your pregnancy journey! [ ![Newborn Care](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/7f5c8b6b-47de-4928-a707-feab6621d73b/Home-Newborn-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Newborn Care There's a lot to discover as you start to care for your baby. Learn practical information on how to care for your baby as you get to know them. ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care "Newborn Care") [ ![Postpartum Experience](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/b1c82991-7b07-41af-85eb-64c8200a72c3/Home-PostP-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Postpartum Experience It's important to take care of yourself while you're taking care of your new baby. Learn tips for healing and getting the confidence you need as you start your new life. ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience "Postpartum Experience") [ ![During Pregnancy](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/4f3595d3-4201-47e5-8b18-6ebfb5b3a88f/Home-Preg-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### During Pregnancy As your journey begins, learn what to expect and how to stay healthy and prepare yourself for everything that's ahead during pregnancy. ](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy "During Pregnancy") [ ![Labor and Birth](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/d7195390-7568-4831-8f58-c61b49893ed0/Home-Labor-2-1?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Labor and Birth Whether it's your first baby or you've done this before, learn the information you need to feel informed and supported during labor and your stay at BMC. ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth "Labor and Birth")