Once your cervix becomes fully dilated, you can begin pushing. At this point you may have a burst of energy. The delivery itself may take a few contractions or a few hours.

An epidural numbs your lower body by blocking the nerves that enter your lower spine. Anesthetic is injected into the space between the bones in the spinal column and the covering around the spinal cord.

With breech presentation, your baby is in a buttocks or feet-first position. A breech presentation can make it hard for the baby's head to fit through the birth canal.

After birth, most women shake and get chills. This is over quickly. Your temperature and blood pressure will be watched until they are stable. Sanitary pads absorb the discharge of the uterine lining.

If you are having triplets or more multiple births, your doctor will perform a scheduled cesarean delivery. If you are having twins, your doctor will discuss with you options for delivery.