The moment that you have been waiting for is finally here and there is nothing that is going to stop it from happening; your baby will be born one way or another. Knowing what happens during labour and delivery can help relieve your anxiety.

What affect do the pain relief drugs have on my baby? How will I know when I am in labour? How can my partner help me through labour and the birth of our baby? All these questions and more are answered in this section.

First signs of labour

Signs to look for that labour is not far away.

Stage One

The first stage is the longest for almost everyone, but its length is very variable.

Birth partner

Support and encouragement when you're in labour is important

Pain relief

Familiarise yourself with the more common of pain relief methods before you go into labour.

Stage Two

You'll know you're at second stage when you feel a very powerful need to push downwards!

Stage Three

The third stage of labour is the delivery of the placenta.

Caesarean birth

Why a caesarian birth may be required and how its done.