Giving birth | Childbirth

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	Beginnings: Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond Skip section navigation Beginnings First trimester Second trimester Third trimester For dads and partners Preparing for labor Preparing for your baby Giving birth Birth and after birth What happens to your baby after birth Your hospital stay Your recovery at home Your newborn Newborn feeding Also available in print or as a mobile app Special topics Breastfeeding quiz Gestational diabetes Over-the-counter medicines safe to use during pregnancy Postpartum depression: Rachel's story Taking vitamin D during pregnancy Pregnancy tips Prevent furniture tipping And help keep kids safe. More health tips... Allina Health services Pregnancy care Classes and support groups Allina Health Home Health - Mother & Newborn Resources for pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting Birth The childbirth process Show animation transcript. Cervix thins and dilates during labor. As your baby moves through your pelvis, her head usually rotates to face your spine. As your uterus pushes your baby through your pelvis, her head begins to show, or "crown." After most of your baby's head is born, her shoulders move through your pelvis and she begins to rotate again. After your baby's head and shoulders are born, the rest of her body slips out. How to tell if you're in labor When to call your health care provider Timing contractions Reporting that you're in labor Stages of labor What happens during the first stage of labor What happens during the second stage of labor What happens during the third stage of labor At the hospital Positions for labor and birth Dealing with back pain Techniques for pushing and birth To the labor companion Pain medicine Procedures during labor Cesarean birth After giving birth Your recovery