Labour pains

At the risk of being shot down in flames, for the vast majority of us labour does hurt. Don't seek a cure; look at coping: there's a big difference. Relaxation can help get you through it. I don't expect you to drift off to sleep throughout labour (unless you've got a hefty epidural on board), but feeling well supported and in control of things can make a huge difference to the way you deal with the situation.

Contractions gradually build, reach a peak and then, thankfully, start to come down the other side. You'll then get a break before the next one. In early labour this could be 20 minutes, but at the peak of labour it may only be a minute or two. However small a break, you'll be grateful for it!

- Opening your bowels

More help and advice

- What happens when you're induced?
- Embarrassing pregnancy questions answered
- Caesarean births explained
- Pain relief options during labour

By Rob Mansfield