Labour and Birth.

Comprehensive articles about labour and birth, including what to expect, pain management, and how antenatal care prepares you for the big day.

A woman in a squatting position during childbirth, supported by her partner.
Labour and Birth

Birth Positions for a Faster Delivery: Expert-Recommended Tips for Labour

Explore birth positions that can speed up delivery and reduce discomfort. Learn from experts about the best labour positions and antenatal care tips for a smoother birth.

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Pregnant woman experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions in a calm, comfortable environment.
Labour and Birth

Braxton Hicks vs. True Labour Contractions: How to Tell the Difference

Learn the difference between Braxton Hicks and true labour contractions, including signs, symptoms, and how antenatal care helps you manage them.

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Pregnant woman using breathing techniques during labour with the guidance of a midwife.
Labour and Birth

Breathing Techniques for Labour: How to Stay Calm and Focused

Discover effective breathing techniques for labour that can help you stay calm and focused. Learn how these techniques fit into your antenatal care and pregnancy preparation.

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Family preparing for the arrival of a new sibling, toddler getting ready for the big day.
Labour and Birth

Can My Toddler Be Cared for at the Hospital While I’m Giving Birth?

Discover practical options for caring for your toddler during labour and birth. Learn how antenatal care and planning can help you make the best decisions for your family.

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A pregnant woman practising yoga during pregnancy to prepare for childbirth.
Labour and Birth

Can You Feel Your Baby Come Out With an Epidural? Understanding Epidurals and Childbirth.

Learn about epidurals, what sensations you may feel during childbirth, and how antenatal care helps you make informed decisions. Find out more about pain management.

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Pregnant woman practising breathing exercises to manage fear of labour, part of an antenatal care routine.
Labour and Birth

Coping with the Fear of Labour: Practical Techniques for Calming Your Nerves

Discover practical techniques for coping with the fear of labour. Learn how antenatal care, relaxation techniques, and antenatal classes can help calm your nerves.

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Newborn baby with the umbilical cord attached, indicating delayed cord clamping.
Labour and Birth

Delayed Cord Clamping: What Are the Benefits for Your Baby?

Discover the benefits of delayed cord clamping for your baby’s health, including improved iron levels, better circulation, and protection against anaemia. Learn about antenatal care and how to plan...

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Pregnant woman timing contractions and preparing for labour.
Labour and Birth

Early Signs of Labour: How to Know When It’s Time to Head to the Hospital

Learn how to recognise the early signs of labour and know when it's time to head to the hospital. Get expert tips on antenatal care, contractions, and more.

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A smiling mother holding her newborn in a hospital bed after a Caesarean section.
Labour and Birth

Elective Caesarean Birth: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Learn what to expect from an elective Caesarean birth and how antenatal care, yoga, and prenatal massages can help you prepare for surgery and recovery.

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Birth centre with comfortable birthing environment, offering personalised antenatal care.
Labour and Birth

Giving Birth in a Birth Centre vs. Hospital: Which Is Right for You?

Explore the differences between giving birth in a birth centre and a hospital. Learn how antenatal care, prenatal care, and antenatal support can influence your decision.

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A mother in labour supported by her partner in an upright birthing position.
Labour and Birth

How Can I Make Labour Shorter? Proven Strategies for Faster Labour.

Discover effective methods for making labour shorter, from antenatal care to natural pain relief. Learn about yoga, perineal massage, hydration, and more.

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Expectant parents of twins or triplets preparing for labour and delivery.
Labour and Birth

How Long Does Labour Really Last for Twins or Triplets? Understanding Timelines

Learn about the typical labour timelines for twins and triplets, including the role of antenatal care and delivery methods. Explore how to prepare for the big day.

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A woman practising breathing techniques during antenatal yoga in preparation for labour.
Labour and Birth

How Painful is Childbirth on a Scale of One to 10? Exploring the Pain and Preparation for Labour.

Discover how painful childbirth is on a scale of one to 10. Learn about labour pain, antenatal care, and pain relief options like antenatal yoga and massage.

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A pregnant woman writing down her birth preferences in a notebook while discussing options with her healthcare provider during an antenatal appointment.
Labour and Birth

How to Create the Perfect Birth Plan for Your Labour and Delivery

Learn how to create the perfect birth plan, covering all aspects of labour and delivery, from pain relief to post-birth preferences. Understand the importance of antenatal care, yoga, and massage in...

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A pregnant woman calmly meditating during a yoga class to reduce anxiety before labour.
Labour and Birth

How to Manage Anxiety and Stress During Labour and Birth

Learn how to manage anxiety and stress during labour with antenatal care, breathing exercises, prenatal massage, and support from your birth team.

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Expectant mother using natural labour pain relief techniques.
Labour and Birth

How to Manage Labour Pain: Natural Techniques and Medical Options.

Discover natural techniques and medical options for managing labour pain. Learn how antenatal care supports your choices during childbirth.

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Pregnant woman practising relaxation and breathing techniques in preparation for labour.
Labour and Birth

How to Prepare Mentally for Labour: Tips for Staying Positive and Calm

Discover effective strategies for mentally preparing for labour, including mindfulness, prenatal yoga, relaxation, and creating a flexible birth plan. Stay calm, confident, and positive during...

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A pregnant woman doing yoga in a calm setting to prepare for childbirth.
Labour and Birth

How to Reduce the Risk of Tearing During Labour: Tips for a Smoother Birth

Discover tips on how to reduce the risk of perineal tearing during labour. Learn about antenatal care, yoga, perineal massage, and other techniques to help prepare for childbirth.

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Doctor explaining the induction process to an expectant mother during an antenatal appointment.
Labour and Birth

Induction of Labour: What It Is and When It May Be Necessary

Learn about the induction of labour, including when it is necessary, the methods used, and how antenatal care can support the process. Get informed about your options for a safe and healthy delivery.

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Newborn baby having skin-to-skin contact with mother.
Labour and Birth

What to Expect in the First Hour After Birth: The Golden Hour Explained.

Learn about the Golden Hour after birth, why skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding are vital, and how antenatal care can prepare you for this critical time.

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A pregnant woman practising yoga during pregnancy to prepare for labour.
Labour and Birth

Is It Normal to Scream During Labour? Understanding Labour Pain and Vocalisation.

Discover if it's normal to scream during labour and how antenatal care, yoga, and prenatal massage can help manage pain. Learn more about labour and childbirth.

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Pregnant woman focusing on her breathing during labour to stay calm.
Labour and Birth

Labour and Delivery Tips: How to Stay Calm and Focused During Childbirth

Discover essential tips to stay calm during childbirth, including how antenatal care, antenatal yoga, and relaxation techniques can help you remain focused through labour.

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Pregnant woman considering her pain relief options for labour.
Labour and Birth

Labour Pain Relief: From Epidurals to Gas and Air

Explore various labour pain relief options, including epidurals, gas and air, and natural methods like prenatal yoga. Find the right approach for you.

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A woman in active labour, holding hands with her partner for support.
Labour and Birth

Labour Stages Explained: What Happens During Early, Active, and Transition Labour

Learn about the different stages of labour—early, active, and transition—and how to prepare for them with antenatal care, antenatal yoga, and antenatal education.

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A healthcare provider discussing medical interventions with an expectant mother during an antenatal checkup.
Labour and Birth

Medical Interventions During Labour: When and Why They Might Be Needed.

Learn about medical interventions during labour, including their benefits, risks, and how antenatal care can help you prepare for them.

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Pregnant woman discussing labour procedures with a midwife during an antenatal visit.
Labour and Birth

Medical Procedures During Labour and Delivery: What to Expect

Learn about the common medical procedures during labour and delivery, including epidurals, inductions, and C-sections. Explore antenatal care and natural relaxation techniques.

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A pregnant woman performing yoga stretches and breathing techniques in a peaceful setting to prepare for natural pain relief during labour.
Labour and Birth

Natural Pain Relief Options for Labour: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore natural pain relief options for labour, including breathing techniques, antenatal yoga, massage, and hypnobirthing. Learn how antenatal care supports these holistic methods for a calm and...

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Pregnant woman performing perineal massage to prepare for childbirth, a common practice in antenatal care.
Labour and Birth

Perineal Massage for Late Pregnancy: Can It Help with Labour?

Discover the benefits of perineal massage during late pregnancy. Learn how this technique fits into your antenatal care routine and how it can help during labour.

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Pregnant woman practising positions for labour with prenatal yoga.
Labour and Birth

Positioning for Labour: The Best Positions to Help Ease Delivery

Discover the best labour positions to help ease delivery. Learn about antenatal care, prenatal yoga, and antenatal support for a smoother, more comfortable birth experience.

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Expectant mother sitting calmly as she awaits the onset of labour past her due date.
Labour and Birth

Post-Term Pregnancy: What Happens When You Go Past Your Due Date

Learn what to expect when pregnancy goes beyond 42 weeks. Explore risks, antenatal care, and relaxation techniques like yoga and massage to manage stress.

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Pregnant woman preparing for late pregnancy and upcoming childbirth.
Labour and Birth

Preparing for the Big Day: A Checklist for Late Pregnancy

A comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for the final stages of pregnancy. From antenatal care to prenatal yoga, ensure you’re ready for the big day.

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Pregnant woman experiencing changes before labour.
Labour and Birth

Signs That Labour Is Near: What Changes to Look Out For

Discover the key signs that labour is near, including physical changes and emotional shifts. Learn how antenatal care helps prepare you for childbirth.

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Doula providing comfort measures during labour, including antenatal massage to ease contractions.
Labour and Birth

The Role of Doulas in Labour and Delivery: Should You Hire One?

Explore the role of doulas during labour and delivery. Learn how they provide emotional and physical support, complementing antenatal care for a positive birth experience.

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A timeline showing the different stages of labour from early labour to delivery and the expulsion of the placenta.
Labour and Birth

Understanding the Different Stages of Labour: What Happens and When

Learn about the three stages of labour, from early labour to delivery and the delivery of the placenta. Discover how antenatal care, yoga, and prenatal massages can prepare you for each phase of...

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A pregnant woman using a birthing pool during labour.
Labour and Birth

Water Birth: Proven Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect

Discover the benefits and risks of water birth, and learn what to expect during this natural birthing option. Explore how antenatal care, prenatal yoga, and massage can help prepare you.

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A pregnant woman at an antenatal clinic discussing birth options with her midwife.
Labour and Birth

What Are the Four Forms of Birth? A Comprehensive Guide for Expectant Parents.

Learn about the four primary forms of birth: vaginal birth, C-section, assisted birth, and water birth. Explore how antenatal care and education can help you prepare.

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A woman in labour breathing deeply as part of her antenatal yoga practice.
Labour and Birth

What Does Childbirth Feel Like? Understanding the Physical and Emotional Experience of Labour.

Learn what childbirth feels like, from contractions to delivery. Discover how antenatal care, prenatal yoga, and relaxation techniques can prepare you for the experience.

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Pregnant woman being prepared for a C-section by medical staff.
Labour and Birth

What Happens in an Emergency C-Section Delivery: Your Guide to Surgical Birth

Learn about the process of an emergency C-section delivery, why it may be necessary, and how antenatal care can prepare you for the unexpected.

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A supportive birth partner encouraging and comforting a woman in labour.
Labour and Birth

What Is a Birth Partner’s Role? How to Support Mum During Labour

Discover the essential role of a birth partner during labour, including how to offer emotional support, assist with relaxation techniques, and advocate for mum's preferences. Learn how antenatal care...

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Woman in labour considering VBAC, surrounded by her supportive healthcare team.
Labour and Birth

What Is a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) and Is It Right for You?

Learn about VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), including eligibility, benefits, risks, and how antenatal care prepares you for this birthing option.

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A mother in a birthing pool, labouring in water for comfort and relaxation.
Labour and Birth

What Is a Water Birth? Benefits and Risks of Water Labour.

Learn about water birth, its benefits, and risks. Discover how antenatal care, yoga, and relaxation can help you prepare for a water labour experience.

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Cord blood collection kit being prepared for use after birth, a key component of antenatal planning.
Labour and Birth

What is Cord Blood Banking? Understanding Your Options During Antenatal Care

Discover the benefits and process of cord blood banking. Learn how it fits into antenatal care and whether it’s the right option for your pregnancy.

Antenatal prenatal care pregnancy care antenatal care antenatal appointments
A newborn baby resting peacefully in a cradle, marking the first 100 days of life.
Labour and Birth

What is the 100-Day Rule for Babies? Understanding the Tradition and Its Importance.

Discover the significance of the 100-day rule for babies. Learn how antenatal care, prenatal yoga, and relaxation during pregnancy can help prepare for this important period.

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A newborn baby experiencing skin-to-skin contact with the mother, illustrating the eight-minute rule for bonding.
Labour and Birth

What is the Eight-Minute Rule for Babies? Understanding the First Few Minutes After Birth

Discover the significance of the eight-minute rule for babies, from early breastfeeding to skin-to-skin contact. Learn how antenatal care prepares parents for this crucial period.

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A woman in labour with her partner applying a warm compress to her back.
Labour and Birth

What is the Ring of Fire in Labour? Can You Avoid It?

Discover what the Ring of Fire in labour is, why it happens, and ways to manage the discomfort. Learn about antenatal care, breathing techniques, and perineal massage.

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A pregnant woman attending an antenatal yoga class to prepare for labour.
Labour and Birth

What is the Average Time for a First Baby? Understanding Labour and Delivery.

Learn about the average delivery time for first-time mothers and how antenatal care helps prepare for labour. Discover the stages of labour and factors that can affect delivery time.

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Mucus plug loss during pregnancy
Labour and Birth

What is Your Mucus Plug and What Does It Look Like? | Pregnancy Care

Discover what the mucus plug is, when it might be lost, and what it looks like. Learn about the role it plays in your pregnancy and how to manage the final stages of antenatal care.

Antenatal prenatal care pregnancy care antenatal care antenatal appointments
Expectant mother practicing breathing techniques in preparation for labour.
Labour and Birth

What to Expect During Labour: A Guide for Mums-to-be

Learn what to expect during labour with our complete guide for expectant parents. Understand the stages of labour, pain relief options, and the role of antenatal care.

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A woman in labour experiencing contractions with support from her partner.
Labour and Birth

What Will Normal Contractions Feel Like? Is It the Same in Each Pregnancy?

Discover what normal contractions feel like, how they may differ between pregnancies, and ways to manage them with antenatal support such as yoga, massage, and breathing techniques.

Antenatal prenatal care pregnancy care antenatal care antenatal appointments
A mother navigating unexpected changes during childbirth, with the guidance of a midwife.
Labour and Birth

When Labour Doesn’t Go to Plan: How to Handle Unexpected Changes During Childbirth.

Learn how to manage unexpected changes during childbirth with antenatal care. Discover strategies for staying calm and handling interventions when labour doesn’t go to plan.

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Expectant couple preparing to go to the hospital as labour begins.
Labour and Birth

When to Go to the Hospital: Recognising the Right Time to Leave Home

Learn when to go to the hospital during labour with tips on recognising contractions, water breaking, and more. Discover how antenatal care can help you prepare.

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Pregnant woman in labour with her partner and midwife, making informed decisions about her birth rights.
Labour and Birth

Your Birth Rights: Understanding Consent and Choices During Labour

Learn about your rights during labour, including informed consent, birth choices, and pain relief options. Explore the role of antenatal care in empowering