noun / adjective
labor
The process of contractions and delivery during childbirth.
Her contractions grow stronger as she moves through active labor.
Etymology
The Latin word means work or exertion. Childbirth acquired the name through the intense bodily effort and pains associated with delivery.
More examples
- She goes into labor a week before her due date.
- The nurse helps her breathe through the labor pains.
- Labor can last several hours, especially with a first baby.
Forms
labor · labors
Similar words
- childbirth
- Names the overall birth event rather than emphasizing contractions.
- delivery
- Focuses on the baby's birth rather than the preceding contractions.