From around 34 weeks, you can encourage your baby to get into the right position for birth. Try regularly kneeling on the floor over a birthing ball or if you don't have one, use a chair.
'My midwife said to avoid lying on my back and keep my knees lower than my bottom. This would help turn my baby into the correct position for birth,' says Camilla Hicks, 33, mum to Keith, 9 weeks. 'I also went swimming once a week. I had no difficulties during labour, so it was definitely worth doing.'
One of the best techniques to get through labour is to focus on the fact that you are coping with the situation. 'Pete kept leaving the delivery suite to try and find the doctor, which stressed me out and distracted me far more than the painful contractions,' says Emma Sabine, 29, mum to Danny, nine weeks. 'After I politely asked him to stay in one place, i.e. with me and just hold my hand, I found that I coped with labour much better.'
Mums-to-be who are generally fit and healthy tend to have a more straightforward labour. Try and go for a short walk each day (without becoming short of breath), or ask your midwife about local yoga or aquanatal classes in your area.
From around 34 weeks, start gently massaging your perineum (the area between the opening of your vagina and your anus) using wheatgerm oil or sweet almond oil, to help prevent tears.
'I was very nervous about tearing, so I massaged my perineum regularly and my husband helped too,' says Victoria Howes, 36, mum to Gaelle, eight weeks. 'During the birth, I felt more confident of my own body's ability to cope and was more relaxed when I pushed. The birth was hard, but luckily I didn't tear.'
Read on: More ways to have an easier labour: 5-10
Where next?
- What you'll need to take to hospital before the birth
- Pain relief during labour
- What really happens during labour?
- Embarrassing pregnancy questions answered