Being prepared for labour
Preparation, preparation, preparation? I went into labour a week early, not part of my carefully constructed plan! Ever since I had found that I was pregnant I had approached my pregnancy like a...
View ArticleAm I in Labour: Have your waters broken?
Have your waters broken? Yes Did they go with a gush? Phone the maternity unit or your midwife. If you are having your baby in hospital you will probably be advised to go in straight away. Is the fluid...
View ArticleThe first stage of labour
After days or weeks of impatiently waiting for labour to start, it can be difficult to tell just when the first stage of labour begins. If you are experiencing regular, mild contractions these could be...
View ArticleEstablished labour – When should you go into hospital?
If you are having a hospital birth, a question that a lot of pregnant women ask if and when established labour is happening “when should you go into hospital” and their partners are keen to know the...
View ArticleAm I in labour?
Some women know for certain the moment that labour has started, but often the signs aren’t clear. Even if you know that you are in labour, you may wonder what you should do next. Use this guide to...
View ArticleQuestion: Position of baby’s head
Q: “I am currently 30+ weeks pregnant with my second child. I went for a routine check up with my midwife (but did not see my usual midwife). She informed me that she could feel 4/5 of the baby and...
View ArticleQuestion: Braxton Hicks Contractions
Q: “I am 28 weeks pregnant. I’ve noticed that sometimes my womb gets very tight and hard. At first I thought this was due to the baby moving, but my friend told me that I am having “practice...
View ArticleBraxton Hicks contractions
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular tightenings of the uterus. Although Braxton Hicks contractions happen from very early in pregnancy, most women do not really notice them until the second half...
View ArticleCall the midwife Zita West’s top tips for labour
If you are expecting your first child imminently and worrying about labour, Zita West, midwife to many an A-lister, and author of the Zita West Pregnancy Companion shares her tips for preparing for...
View ArticleDon’t stop now! Keeping labour going
So, after a long 9 months of waiting, worrying and anticpating, finally your contractions begin! Not long now and hopefully labour will be well and truly under way, and your little one will be...
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