3 Words Every Woman in Labor Should Know That May Help Prevent a Birth Injury

Giving birth should be one of the most powerful, life-affirming moments in a woman’s life. But too often, women enter the delivery room without crucial knowledge—knowledge that could change everything.

Sometimes, when something goes wrong during labor, it can be traced back to the same root cause: moms weren’t given the information they needed to spot warning signs or ask critical questions.

So today, we’re sharing three words that every woman should know before giving birth. Not to scare you—but to equip you.

Because informed mamas are powerful mamas.

1️⃣ Decelerations (or “Decels”)

This word refers to a drop in your baby’s heart rate—something that’s tracked by a monitor strapped to your belly during labor.

Some decelerations are normal. But others can signal that your baby is in distress and needs to be delivered quickly. The key is knowing what kind, how often, and when. If your provider mentions decels, it’s not the time to sit back—it’s the time to ask questions and advocate.

2️⃣ Variability

This refers to how much your baby’s heart rate goes up and down throughout labor. A healthy baby shows variability—those gentle rises and dips that mean they’re coping well with contractions.

But if the monitor shows minimal variability—where the heart rate looks flat or unchanging—that can be a red flag. It may mean the baby is not handling labor well and needs help.

3️⃣ Accelerations

This one might sound surprising, but when you’re in labor, you actually want to see your baby’s heart rate speed up sometimes.

Accelerations are a sign that your baby is active, responsive, and getting ready to meet you. A lack of accelerations, especially alongside other concerning signs, can indicate fetal distress.

You don’t need to be a doctor to understand these terms. But you do need to know what they mean so you can ask the right questions and feel confident speaking up.

Because your voice matters. Your instincts matter. And if something feels off—you have every right to say, “What’s going on with the monitor?”

At Mama Bear Law, we believe that every woman deserves to walk into the delivery room informed and empowered. And if something went wrong during your birth—if you suspect your baby was in distress and no one acted fast enough—we’re here.

Because when it comes to protecting your child, nothing should stand in your way. 💙🐻

 If your birth experience ended in injury and you're left with more questions than answers, reach out. We’ll help you understand what happened—and what you can do next.

🐻 Why Choose Mama Bear Law After a Birth Injury?

Welcoming a child should be one of the happiest moments of your life—not a time filled with fear, confusion, or heartbreak. If something went wrong during labor or delivery, you deserve answers. At Mama Bear Law, we believe no family should have to face this battle alone. When you work with us, you’re getting:  ✔ Compassionate guidance from attorneys who truly care about your story.  ✔ Legal skills to hold negligent medical providers accountable.  ✔ Fierce, unwavering and ethical advocacy to secure justice and compensation.  ✔ A team that treats your case like it’s personal—because to us, it is.

At Mama Bear Law, we’re not just here for your case. We’re here for you—every step of the way.  🐻💙  👉 Click here to start your free assessment