Everyone’s unique, and there’s no exact checklist of symptoms, but you may feel contractions, cramps and pelvic pressure
Rinses, sitz baths, ice and medication can help the healing
While it may be possible, it may not be safe
Babies aren’t great about scheduling, so be sure to pack a month or two before your due date
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Use a birthing ball for pregnancy exercises and to ease labor pain
Heavy bleeding, pain and persistent sadness could be something more serious
You can plan for almost anything, but be flexible about the outcome
Science is mixed, but if you want to try stretching your perineum, here’s how to do it safely
A timeline of what to know after delivering your baby
Avoid high-mercury fish and processed meat, and go easy on salt and caffeine