uterine contraction - a rhythmic tightening in labor of the upper uterine musculature that contracts the size of the uterus and pushes the fetus toward the birth canal

effacement - shortening of the uterine cervix and thinning of its walls as it is dilated during labor

birthing, giving birth, parturition, birth - the process of giving birth

maternity, pregnancy, gestation - the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus

premature labor, premature labour - labor beginning prior to the 37th week of gestation

asynclitism, obliquity - the presentation during labor of the head of the fetus at an abnormal angle

labor, toil, labour - productive work (especially physical work done for wages); "his labor did not require a great deal of skill"

struggle - strenuous effort; "the struggle to get through the crowd exhausted her"

difficulty, trouble - an effort that is inconvenient; "I went to a lot of trouble"; "he won without any trouble"; "had difficulty walking"; "finished the test only with great difficulty"

least effort, least resistance - the least effortful way to do something

straining, strain - an intense or violent exertion

exercise, exercising, physical exercise, physical exertion, workout - the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit; "the doctor recommended regular exercise"; "he did some exercising"; "the physical exertion required by his work kept him fit"

pull - a sustained effort; "it was a long pull but we made it"

diligence, application - a diligent effort; "it is a job requiring serious application"

overkill - any effort that seems to go farther than would be necessary to achieve its goal

supererogation - an effort above and beyond the call of duty

overexertion - excessive exertion; so much exertion that discomfort or injury results

detrition, friction, rubbing - effort expended in rubbing one object against another

do work, work - be employed; "Is your husband working again?"; "My wife never worked"; "Do you want to work after the age of 60?"; "She never did any work because she inherited a lot of money"; "She works as a waitress to put herself through college"