Dear Ovia, I’m worried about not having enough time for myself and my relationship when this baby gets here. How can I make sure we’re still feeling connected after baby get here (and don’t only talk about the baby, which has already started!)?

Kudos to you for recognizing that a major shift is happening — even before the baby’s birth! Early parenting advice focuses on what to do to prepare for baby, birth, breastfeeding, and beyond. It rarely centers the couple at the start of it all, and yet feeling positive about your relationship is so important for satisfied parents and a healthy family.

Your family will change, as you’ve noted, and that’s something to expect. The new human in your life will not just be an addition to your previous life, or something to “fit in.” It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, overjoyed or a mix of both by the responsibilities of new parenthood and how different life will be. 

Talking with your partner about how to maintain some time for yourself and your relationship is the best place to start. The type of leave you’ll both have from work and the support you have from other family and friends is an enormous factor. But even if you have very little outside support, you can start small, “Hey I hope I can decompress for a half hour and (insert hobby here) every Thursday when you get home early. What kinds of things do you still hope to have the flexibility for?” When it comes to your relationship, you may have to adjust your old ways of connecting depending on what kind of support you have, and how comfortable you feel leaving your baby when the time comes. It’s okay to want solo date nights or to adjust them to brunch. It’s also okay to feel like you can maintain and grow together with your baby around. Having an ongoing dialogue with your partner about what’s working will help!

And as for not only talking about the baby — well, that’s a tough one! Couples certainly make loving rules for themselves to set a timer for other conversations before they can talk about babies or look at pictures together. I know people who even read the same book simultaneously so they can have their own mini book club! But it’s also okay to laugh at yourselves as parents who just can’t stop talking about their baby, and appreciate that it’s a fairly normal instinct (kind of like looking at pictures of them after they’re asleep). This is still a way of being connected as a couple, it’s just a new and potentially unexpected one.

Read more from this series

• How to get my partner involved in baby preparations?
• How to deal with my controlling mother-in-law?

You come into contact with a wide range of chemicals every day because, well… everything is a chemical — even water. That said, you may want to avoid certain synthetic chemicals found in cosmetics, cleaning formulas, and household products. Here’s what the research can tell us.

Hair dye

Black, blond, brown, red, or purple — whatever your shade, you can dye your hair during pregnancy. The main concern is about chemicals in the dye absorbing through your scalp and entering your bloodstream. But according to the Mayo Clinic, the skin absorbs a limited amount of any product, and the minimal amount isn’t believed to pose any harm to you or your developing baby.

To play it safe, color your hair in a well-ventilated area, and don’t leave the dye on your hair for longer than directed. If you want to avoid dye on your scalp completely, you could opt for a chic ombre look during pregnancy.

Nail polish

There aren’t any known risks of painting your nails while pregnant. Some nail polishes contain phthalates, which could be harmful in high doses. However, the small amount in nail lacquer shouldn’t pose any risk.

Chemicals found in nail polish and nail polish remover (including paraffin, formaldehyde, and acetone) can create fumes, whether at home or in a nail salon. But as long as there’s a window or door open, you probably don’t need to worry about breathing in chemicals. That said, if you feel dizzy or nauseous, you may want to pause the manicure and get some fresh air.

Face and body products

So, what about other cosmetics, like skin and body care? Products containing retinoids should generally be avoided because they’ve been shown to increase the risk of certain birth defects when taken orally. Salicylic acid that is applied to the skin is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but should not be taken orally at 325 mg or higher, for example in the form of adult aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). On the other hand, studies have shown that low dose aspirin (about 81 mg/day) prescribed by a medical professional can prevent or delay preeclampsia and does not increase the chance of complications or birth defects.

But you might be glad to hear most other common skincare ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy. AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) like glycolic acid and lactic acid have the green light since they don’t soak into the skin. Sunscreen, self-tanner, and skincare products with benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and glycerin are thought to be safe as well. If you need more advanced skincare during pregnancy, it’s always okay to consult with a dermatologist.

Bug spray

As you know, using a bug spray can lower your chances of being bitten. Though insect bites can be harmless or nothing more than annoying, they can also cause various skin infections and diseases. It’s particularly important to avoid mosquito bites if you live in an area affected by Zika virus.

While there are different kinds of bug sprays you can buy, products containing DEET tend to offer the best protection. You may have heard about potential side effects of DEET, but there’s currently no evidence that it’s harmful to pregnant folks or their developing babies.

House paint

House paints sold today often have very low amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or none at all. For this reason, it’s unlikely that painting a room or hanging out near a paint job will harm you or your baby.

If you want to be on the safe side, steer clear of fumey solvent-based paints, latex paints, and spray paints, and leave stripping old paint to someone else to avoid lead exposure. Your best bet is to paint in a well-ventilated area using a water-based paint labeled “low-VOC” or “zero VOC.”

Cleaning products and detergents

According to the CDC, heavy exposure to high-level chemical disinfectants might increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. However, these “high-level” cleaners are typically used in healthcare facilities, salons, and other public spaces to sterilize equipment and shared surfaces. Most household cleaners are safe to use during pregnancy as long as you use them as directed, work in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves if necessary.

Pesticides

Pesticides are used to kill weeds, fungi, insects, and other pests like rodents in yards and gardens. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to miscarriages and birth defects. Since there’s no known “safe level,” it’s best to avoid using pesticides and limit your exposure.

Since pesticides are used in farming, residues are sometimes detected on produce. Consuming small amounts is generally thought to be safe, but it’s still a good idea to thoroughly wash or peel your fruits and veggies before eating them. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Products to avoid when pregnant
• Activities to avoid when pregnant

Sources

• Tobah, Y. B. Is it OK to use hair dye during pregnancy? Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. 2017. http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/hair-dye-and-pregnancy/faq-20058484
• Romeo, A RN, PhD. Nailing Down the Facts: Nail Treatment Safety in Pregnancy. MotherToBaby. 2025. Web. https://mothertobaby.org/baby-blog/nailing-down-the-facts-nail-treatment-safety-in-pregnancy/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/
• Michigan Medicine Healthwise Staff. Insect Repellents Topic Overview. University of Michigan. 2020. Web. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uf4815
• National Health Service (NHS). Can paint fumes affect my unborn baby? 2020. Web. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/can-paint-fumes-affect-my-unborn-baby/
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Reproductive Health and the Workplace: About Chemical Disinfectants and Sterilants and Reproductive Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). April 3, 2024 Web. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/disinfectants.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/disinfectants.html
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). About Pesticides and reproductive health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dec 13,2023 Web. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/reproductive-health/prevention/pesticides.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/repro/pesticides.html

Everyone experiences labor differently, with pain ranging from mild to severe.

It’ll start with waves of contractions. Some people describe the feeling as being like intense period cramps, others say it feels like a tightening or pounding feeling in your uterus or across your belly, others describe the feeling as being like very intense muscle cramps, while still other people describe contractions as being like the sort of wrenching intestinal cramps or gas pains that you might have a stomach virus. Sometimes you can even see these contractions across your belly as the uterus tightens. Some people might also have cramping, pressure, or pain that affects the lower back (called “back labor”), depending on how a baby is positioned, and this can be particularly intense. And some people feel these feelings of cramping, pressure, tightness, or pain in localized areas – the uterus, belly, torso, or back – and others feel it throughout their body. It’s very different for everyone, and different with every pregnancy.

Regardless of how it feels for you, these contractions will grow in intensity as you move through labor, and many people find that as things intensify, they prefer to move their bodies around in particular ways to try and find some relief – sitting on an exercise ball, getting on all fours, laboring in a tub if possible – or ask their care providers for help with relief. Throughout, some people report that they feel in control and empowered; others feel disconnected, like their bodies take control and do what needs to be done; and some feel a mix of in charge and out-of-body.

When it eventually comes time to push, many people say that they feel a great pressure in the rectal area, as if they need to have a bowel movement. For many people the act of bearing down and pushing also feels like having an intense bowel movement. (In fact, it’s pretty common to actually have a bowel movement during labor, as you use the same pelvic floor muscles to deliver vaginally.) Pushing itself can be extremely tiring physically, like an incredibly physically demanding workout requiring intense focus. And despite the great deal of discomfort many people experience before getting ready to push, often the pushing can feel like it brings some relief.

Once your baby’s head starts to emerge, or crown, the physical sensation may feel intense in a new way. The crowning can feel like burning, stabbing, stretching, tearing, or intense pressure on your groin area, vagina, and rectum as your baby gets ready to make their way out into the world.

Once Baby is finally delivered, with a great rush, you’ll likely feel a strong sense of relief and even euphoria – brought on by a big release of the calming hormone oxytocin and also because your baby is finally here and you’re mostly done pushing. (You may, however, still need to push out the placenta. For most people, the uterus will continue to contract for some time to help things along, but it’s important that all of the placenta comes out after birth. Following this, you may need to get some stitches down below if you experienced any tearing as your baby was born.) This relief and euphoria will likely last about an hour before beginning to fade, which is when you’ll really start to feel all that your body’s been through. At this point, you’ll have been through a lot. Soreness and pain throughout your body – most notably in your groin, vagina, rectum, and your uterus – is common, as is bleeding from your vagina.

One thing’s certain: you’ll be exhausted by the end, but it’ll all be worthwhile once Baby arrives.

Read more

• The Bradley method of childbirth
• Midwives: what they do and what you need to know

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Signs of labor: Know what to expect.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 7/18/2013. Web.
• Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso. “Does back labor really happen?” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 3/14/2015. Web.
• “Hormones Driving Labor and Birth.” Childbirth Connection. Childbirth Connection, 4/11/2011. Web.

The frequency of routine episiotomies in the U.S. has decreased dramatically in recent years. This is because research on the procedure shows that it is not effective at preventing perineal damage, creates higher rates of infection and pain, can lead to more severe additional tearing, and can cause more long term complications when compared with natural tearing. According to Leapfrog data from US hospitals, rates of episiotomy have dropped 63% and now hover at 4-5% of all vaginal births.

Can an episiotomy still be necessary?

The answer is maybe. ACOG suggests that an episiotomy can still be considered when a baby needs to be born very quickly, and in some other limited circumstances. As with any procedure, an episiotomy requires your consent.

Types of episiotomies

There are two types of episiotomy incisions: a midline incision and a mediolateral incision. A midline incision is done in a straight line, from the vaginal opening toward the anus, whereas a mediolateral incision is done at an angle from the vaginal opening. There are pros and cons to each type. A midline incision is less painful, but tearing of the anus is more likely than it is with natural tearing or a mediolateral incision. Still, mediolateral incisions can be more painful and can have worse long-term pain. 

Recovering after an episiotomy or spontaneous tear

You’ll get sutures to repair the wound that will dissolve after several weeks. Most people don’t experience pain beyond the first week after delivery, but more severe tears can cause discomfort for a longer period of time. To cope with the pain, you can apply ice packs for the first 24-48 hours, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (stay away from aspirin while you’re breastfeeding), and do warm sitz baths after the initial few days. 

Reduce irritation by changing your pad often and using a squirt bottle to wash off urine. Make sure to keep the area clean, and do not use donut-shaped pillows for sitting (as they create more swelling and slow down healing). Don’t forget your handy-dandy kegels to improve pelvic floor muscle tone once you can perform them without feeling pain. 

Healing is different for everyone and takes at least six weeks. If you are experiencing persistent pain with intercourse or if you’re still feeling pain after six weeks from birth, it’s time to seek treatment. You do not need to live with pain, there are many options for treatment after giving birth.  

Sometimes there are folks many years out from delivery who have been living with pain or incontinence because they did not know that there were options for treatment and trained healthcare providers who specialize in obstetric trauma, like obstetricians and urogynecologists. There are also designated postpartum clinics to treat those with obstetric trauma. You deserve to feel like yourself and to live free from pain. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• C-sections: what they are, and when to get them
• Your dilating cervix: gateway to baby

Sources

• “What is an episiotomy?” ACOG. ACOG. October 2020. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/what-is-an-episiotomy
• “State of Maternity Care in the U.S.: The Leapfrog Group 2023 Report on Trends in C-Sections, Early Elective Deliveries, and Episiotomies.” Leapfrog Group. 2023. https://www.leapfroggroup.org/sites/default/files/Files/2023%20Maternity%20Report_Final_0.pdf

However, breastfeeding can be pretty uncomfortable in the beginning. In the first week, your breasts will feel full, heavy, and leaky with more  milk and plenty of leftover pregnancy swelling. A breastfeeding session should relieve that feeling, but it can be a cycle that repeats for a few weeks. In addition, many folks have nipple pain at the start. As babies learn to latch and suck, they often don’t get it 100% right. This can cause nipple soreness (normal) and a range of pain and damage (not normal). Helping Baby to latch on correctly helps alleviate the pain, and after a few weeks, you’ll both likely be more used to breastfeeding and feel less discomfort. It never hurts, however, to get expert support along the way. Pain isn’t normal, and there are so many breastfeeding experts out there to help.

Once your baby has learned more and gotten comfortable, many women love breastfeeding. It’s often described as a feeling of relief, especially if your breasts are full. Some women say that breastfeeding feels like a tingling, warm feeling in the breast, especially at the moment of the milk let-down reflex that begins the flow. The sucking feels like a gentle tugging sensation. Pleasurable feelings are common too, especially if you’ve enjoyed nipple stimulation in the past (so don’t feel weird about that!). And in the early days after giving birth, don’t be surprised if breastfeeding triggers uterine cramps. They’re helping your uterus return to its pre-baby size.

Breastfeeding’s good feelings are often emotional as well as physical. Many women report a relaxed, calm state, helping them bond with their babies. Others even say they experience euphoria, a breastfeeding high brought on by the release of the hormones oxytocin and prolactin that accompanies baby’s sucking.

And of course we want to acknowledge that every person’s experience is different.If this doesn’t end up resonating with your experience – that’s totally valid! You don’t need to force it. If there’s something specific about breastfeeding that doesn’t work for you, it can be a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider or lactation consultant, and see if there’s anything they can do to help make breastfeeding a better experience for you. Many folks have complex challenges that need a wide range of feeding support.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Breastfeeding: everything you need to know
• 11 fun facts about breastfeeding

Sources

• “Why Breastfeed? Benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby”  Healthychildren.org. American Academy of Pediatrics, 8/31/2022. Web.
• “Help, My Breasts are Swollen & Engorged! What Can I Do to Feel Better?” IABLE, April 2022, Web.

Many people choose to have this testing either while trying to get pregnant or during early pregnancy.

Why get carrier screening?

Did you know that you or your partner could be a carrier of a genetic condition, even if no one in your family is affected? In fact, most people don’t know they are carriers until after they’ve had screening because typically carriers don’t have symptoms.

Everyone has two copies of each gene, one from their mom and one from their dad. Being a carrier means that one copy of a gene has a change, called a mutation, which causes it to not work properly. Carriers still have one working copy of the gene, so they typically do not have any health problems associated with carrying a mutation and may not realize they are a carrier.

Being a carrier, however, means there is an increased chance that your child could be born with a genetic condition.

For recessive conditions, both parents must be carriers in order to have a child with that particular condition. Some genetic conditions are relatively common and carrier screening may be offered to you, regardless of your ethnic background, while other conditions are common in only certain ethnicities.

Listed below are examples of recessive conditions, along with the particular ethnicity in which they are most common:

• Cystic fibrosis: Relatively common in all people, regardless of ethnicity
• Tay-Sachs disease: Most common in the Ashkenazi Jewish, Cajun, French Canadian populations. The disease is less common in other populations
• Sickle cell disease: Most common in the African American, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern populations. The disease is less common in other populations

Whether or not you choose to pursue carrier screening is up to you. Some parents prefer not to have this sort of testing done, but many do choose carrier screening because it can provide parents with valuable information that can help them better understand their chances of having a child with a genetic condition.

Your provider will be able to give more information about what kind of testing might be best for your family.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Noninvasive prenatal testing explained
• Prenatal Vitamins

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Genetic Testing.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Jun 2017. Web. Accessed 7/31/17. Available at http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/genetic-testing/home/ovc-20325301.
• “Carrier Screening for Genetic Conditions.” ACOG. Committee Opinion no. 691 from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Mar 2017. Web. Accessed 7/31/17. Available at https://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Genetics/Carrier-Screening-for-Genetic-Conditions.

When a new mom breastfeeds continuously – we’ll get into what that means in a little bit – her body naturally stops ovulating, or releasing eggs. When there are no eggs to fertilize, there is no risk of pregnancy.

What does “breastfeeding exclusively” mean?

Breastfeeding exclusively means nursing on cue, whenever baby is hungry during the day and overnight (this usually adds up to at least 8 feedings in 24 hours). It also means that a baby is consuming only breast milk (not formula, not solid foods, and not even water, which babies generally shouldn’t drink yet anyway).

Is LAM effective?

Under the circumstances detailed below, there is a very low chance of getting pregnant while using the LAM method. When done perfectly, LAM has a 98% success rate, just like many hormonal birth control methods (like the pill). That means that about 2/100 people will get pregnant in a year of use.

Who can use LAM?

In order for LAM to work, you must meet all three of the following criteria:

• You must have given birth in the last six months
• You cannot have had a period since giving birth
• You’re exclusively breastfeeding, on cue (including overnight)

If you fit the criteria, LAM can be a low-maintenance and non-hormonal option for birth control. It’s important to keep in mind that only barrier methods, like condoms, can prevent STIs. There are also plenty of other safe, effective methods of birth control if you’ve chosen another method of infant feeding or if your period has returned. No method of birth control is right for everyone, and everyone’s risk assessment will be a little bit different, so it’s important to discuss which method of contraception is right for you with your healthcare provider 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Postpartum planning: talking to your doctor about birth control
• Lactation support

Sources

• Office of Population Affairs. “Lactational amenorrhea method.” Office of Population Affairs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, August 30 2017. Retrieved July 30 2018. https://www.hhs.gov/opa/pregnancy-prevention/birth-control-methods/lam/index.html.
• M. Vekemans. “Postpartum contraception: the lactational amenorrhea method.” The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care. 2(2): 105-11. June 1997. Retrieved July 30 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9678098.
• “Breastfeeding.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved July 30 2018. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/breastfeeding.

Herd immunity is a term used to describe the concept — and benefit — of having a large number of people in a community protected against a certain disease to prevent the spread of that disease. It is especially important for the most vulnerable. Germs can travel quickly within a community, leading to an outbreak if enough people get sick. But when a lot of people are vaccinated against a particular disease — or exposed and gain immunity to it — the disease does not spread widely. As a result, everyone in the community is less likely to catch the disease.

Herd immunity even helps protect people who cannot be vaccinated — like very young babies, those with serious allergies, or people with weakened immune systems. If the people around vulnerable individuals are vaccinated, germs can’t easily spread through the community. 

Herd immunity acts as a powerful community protection — for you and the people around you. That’s why if you’re able to get vaccinated, you should — to protect yourself and others from serious disease. And, as always, if you have any questions about vaccinations or herd immunity, you should speak with your healthcare provider. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• What vaccines can I get during pregnancy?
• Vaccine safety

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, September 19 2017. Retrieved December 15 2017. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000.
• “Vaccines protect your community.” vaccines.gov. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, December 2017. Retrieved December 15 2017. https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/work/protection/index.html.
• “Vaccine Safety: The Facts.” healthy children.org. American Academy of Pediatrics, October 10 2018. Retrieved March 18 2020. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Vaccine-Safety-The-Facts.aspx.

How is a pregnancy massage different?

Pregnant women may not be able to lie comfortably on their stomachs like one would for a normal massage. Because of this, most pregnancy massage therapists will probably have the expecting mother lie on her side, using pillows for support.

A pregnancy massage is also helpful and different because it can be tailored specifically to your needs. It’s not news to you that your body is changing, and different from how it was when you weren’t pregnant. And any massage that you get during pregnancy should reflect this change. Massage therapists who are certified in prenatal massage will be able to relax certain muscles, encourage circulation, and help relieve tension in certain parts of the body that are affected by pregnancy. In other words, a certified prenatal massage therapist will be able to design a massage that is specifically relaxing and safe for your body, right now.

How can a pregnancy massage help?

Like any other massage, a pregnancy massage is sure to help you relax and get comfortable like little else in the world can. Pregnancy is a time of body-wide soreness, so a good massage can do wonders to make you feel fresh again. A pregnancy massage can also greatly help you de-stress, which is crucial during pregnancy for a number of reasons, not least of which is your baby’s health and proper development. Pregnancy massages may also help relieve some of the discomfort of headaches and backaches, although this is unproven.

How do I find a specially-trained massage therapist?

Before you consider a prenatal massage, make sure to speak to your healthcare provider – depending on how far you are in pregnancy, they might have some recommendations about the positions you should be in during the massage. Do research online, or talk to friends, family, and your healthcare provider about any certified  massage therapists that they may know, particularly ones with certificates in prenatal massage – they will know your body best! You can also ask any general massage therapists that you know if they have any experience in pregnancy massages.

You can expect to pay about $80-$100 for a pregnancy massage.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• Prenatal yoga: what it is and how it can help
• Managing stress during pregnancy

Sources

• T Field, et al. “Pregnant women benefit from massage therapy.” J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol. 20(1):31-8. Web. Mar 1999.
• Julie Howell. “Prenatal health through massage therapy: for women and their babies.” TheFreeLibrary. Farlex, Inc., 2017. Web.

Signs and symptoms of preterm labor can include:

• Change in vaginal discharge — watery discharge, blood, or mucus
• Increase in vaginal discharge — including ruptured membranes or ‘water breaking’ — which could be either a trickle or a gush
• Cramps — may feel like menstrual cramps
• Diarrhea
• Dull lower backache
• Pressure in the lower belly — abdomen or pelvis
• Uterine tightening or contractions — could be frequent, regular, and/or painless

Read more

• Signs of premature labor
• Preterm birth: avoidable for you and your baby

Sources

• “FAQ004: How to Tell When Labor Begins” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2011. Retrieved December 9 2019. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/How-to-Tell-When-Labor-Begins.
• “FAQ087: Preterm Labor and Birth.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, January 2019. Retrieved December 9 2019. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Preterm-Labor-and-Birth.
• “Premature Birth.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, October 17 2019. December 9 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/premature-birth/.
• “Preterm Labor.” Stanford Children’s Health. Stanford Children’s Health. Retrieved December 9 2019. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=preterm-labor-90-P02497.