The term hormone imbalance is quite common in gynecologic circles. Many women of reproductive age will be familiar with what the term denotes. It is simply a broad term that refers to disturbances in the hormonal control of the female reproductive system. The term is so broad that it can sometimes be erroneously used as a diagnosis in its own right, with the danger that a specific diagnosis can easily be missed out.

Labor and delivery is a predictable event, but many variables come into play. Obstetricians and Midwives are trained to recognise and intervene when the progress of labor veers from the expected pattern. The final point when the baby is about to be born is referred to as second stage of labor. It is usually a short period, lasting no longer than one to two hours, but Obstetricians may allow a longer interval depending on circumstances.