You’d think that when it comes down to it, the experience of being pregnant, giving birth and being a mum can’t be all that different wherever you live. But actually, our traditions and beliefs, superstitions and expectations surrounding pregnancy

. But as the months thundered past, the ante-natal classes began and I began to resemble a dromedary on its hind legs, I thought it best to heed the advice of the books and health professionals and devise some sort of ‘birth plan’, however vague it might be.The first

2010 - the year of the celebrity baby!There's been something of a celebrity baby boom recently, and 2010's birth register is packed full of famous faces, from A-list Hollywood stars to EastEnders actresses.After announcing their baby news, we

During the earlier stages of pregnancy babies shift and change position frequently, but in the final trimester of pregnancy there's less room for manoeuvre in the uterus and most babies settle into a head-down position for birth by eight months. A

they use loo roll shortly before labour.Pain ReliefThere are all sorts of things linked to pain relief in labour, which can leave a mum-to-be confused. Here are your basic options:Hypno-birthing A deep state of relaxation using breathing techniques (learned

the birth as your uterus heals, this is called lochia and is usually quite heavy and dark red in the first 48 hours: You'll want to use special heavy-duty maternity pads (not tampons) to absorb the flow and it also makes sense to use either disposable

perineal massage).Your vagina during birthDuring the birth, your baby’s head will stretch the opening of your vagina to make his way into the world. And while the skin often copes well with this stretching, it sometimes tears. Alternatively, your midwife

Chantelle Houghton gave birth to her first child with fiance Alex Reid over the weekend.The former Celebrity Big Brother star, who revealed she was expecting a baby girl, delivered her first child on Sunday morning.Alex took to his Twitter page

was forever sending Andy out to buy huge gateaux. In fact, most people came bearing cakes and biscuits - experienced parents who knew that a trip to the supermarket or a baking session was probably unlikely two days after the birth.Guests who stay too long

Alyson Hannigan has given birth to her second daughter and revealed the first snap of her new baby’s tiny hand on her Twitter page.It was announced last week that the American Pie star gave birth to her second daughter on 23rd May. Baby Keeva Jane