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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments & Procedures
  3. Vaginal Deliveries

Treatment/Procedure: Vaginal Deliveries

When you are ready to have your baby, you'll go through labor. Labor is the process of giving birth. Signs that you might be going into labor include:

  • Contractions that are regular then start to come closer together
  • Leaking fluid or bleeding from the vagina
  • Low, dull backache
  • Abdominal cramps

Call your health care provider if you have any of these signs, even if it is before your due date. Preterm labor can start before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

Labor happens in three stages. The first stage begins with contractions. It continues until your cervix has become thinner and dilated (stretched) to about 4 inches wide. The second stage is the active stage, in which you begin to push downward. Crowning is when your baby's scalp comes into view. Shortly afterward, your baby is born. In the third stage, you deliver the placenta. The placenta is the organ that supplied food and oxygen to your baby during pregnancy.

Mothers and babies are monitored closely during labor. Most women are able to have a baby through normal vaginal delivery. If there are complications, the baby may need to be delivered surgically by a Cesarean section.

NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/childbirth.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

  • Providers
  • Areas of Expertise
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Providers Performing Vaginal Deliveries

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe Vaginal Deliveries for all conditions related to it. Review each provider for availability.

Filter the Providers


Nafisa K. Dajani, M.D.

Nafisa K. Dajani, M.D. Perinatologist (Maternal-fetal Medicine)

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Mary E. Devine, CNM

Mary E. Devine, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Dominique S. DuBois, CNM

Dominique S. DuBois, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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William W.  'Sam' Greenfield, M.D.

William W. "Sam" Greenfield, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Melissa S. Helmich, M.D.

Melissa S. Helmich, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Laura L. Hollenbach, M.D.

Laura L. Hollenbach, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Everett F. 'Pat' Magann, M.D.

Everett F. "Pat" Magann, M.D. Perinatologist (Maternal-fetal Medicine)

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Nirvana A. Manning, M.D.

Nirvana A. Manning, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Renee P. McGraw, M.D.

Renee P. McGraw, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Abigail E. Nichols, CNM

Abigail E. Nichols, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Laurel K. O'Neal, CNM

Laurel K. O'Neal, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Amy M. Phillips, M.D.

Amy M. Phillips, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Mary Luann Racher, M.D.

Mary Luann Racher, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Adam T. Sandlin, M.D.

Adam T. Sandlin, M.D. Perinatologist (Maternal-fetal Medicine)

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Dora Mah Smith, M.D.

Dora Mah Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Michael V. Smith, M.D.

Michael V. Smith, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D.

Kathryn C. Stambough, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Lindsey B. Sward, M.D.

Lindsey B. Sward, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Chad B. Taylor, M.D.

Chad B. Taylor, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Linda N. Teal, M.D.

Linda N. Teal, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Lauren R. Trimble, CNM

Lauren R. Trimble, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Shannon M. Whatley, CNM

Shannon M. Whatley, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Alexis  C. White, M.D.

Alexis C. White, M.D. Obstetrician/Gynecologist

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Joni L. Yarnell, CNM

Joni L. Yarnell, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Renee E. Yeager, CNM

Renee E. Yeager, CNM Certified Nurse Midwife

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Areas of Expertise for Vaginal Deliveries

Mother and child at UAMS

Obstetrics (Part of Women's Health)

For decades, women have come to UAMS Health for complete pregnancy care. We've cared for generations of Arkansans and we are here for you and your baby.

View Area of Expertise

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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