Labor is a series of continuous, progressive contractions of the uterus that help the cervix dilate (open) and efface (thin). This allows the fetus to move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts two weeks before or after the estimated date of delivery. However, the exact trigger for the onset of labor is unknown.
Labor is the process of childbirth involving both contractions of the uterus and cervical dilation, and ending with the delivery of the baby. In other words: It’s show time. As you get closer to your due date, you may notice some subtle physical signs that labor is a few weeks or days away.
: the services performed by workers for wages as distinguished from those rendered by entrepreneurs for profits. Industry needs labor for production. The institute … lacks the ready supply of cheap labor —graduate students—that teaching institutions have. Ann Gibbons.
Labor refers to mental or physical work, especially that which is hard or fatiguing. When should you use labor instead of work, drudgery, or toil? Find out on Thesaurus.com. First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English labour, from Old French, from Latin labōr- (stem of labor ) “work”
Labor is a natural process. Here's what to expect during the stages of labor and birth — along with some tips to make labor more comfortable. Labor is a unique experience. For some people, it's over in a matter of hours or less. For others, a long labor may test the limits of physical and emotional stamina.
In general, the three stages of labor are: Healthcare providers may call this “normal labor.” They use this definition and the stages to communicate effectively with each other and you. Just because you don’t go through every step of “normal” labor doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your birthing experience.