women who had successfully managed to do this and I really wanted to avoid a c-section.My first contractions began on a Monday at 8pm. Emma had given me two “sweeps” to speed up the onset of labour because the consultant had pencilled in a date for a c

likely that you will still have to wait several more weeks to meet your baby, it does make sense to be aware of the signs of early labour and labour contractions and, equally, to be prepared for the signs of false labour, as you may well be feeling

. Although I had no contractions I had to go straight to the hospital because earlier tests had revealed that I carry Strep B. This meant I had to be given antibiotics early in labour to prevent the condition being passed to the baby. Because I wasn't yet

with lavendar as a means of promoting a good night's sleep. The scent is well-known to aid relaxation and promote calm. The oil is also a painkiller that stimulates circulation and healing and may strengthen contractionsClary sage - One of the oils that you

great option because it's non-invasive and can be used at home. Indeed, it is regarded as most successful when it is used early on and kept on as contractions increase in intensity into late labour.For more about how TENS works, check out our guide

every four minutes or so. I started breathing through each contraction and this seemed to work well. I was shocked I could cope, as I have a really low pain threshold! After an hour or so I woke Andrew. My parents were already staying to look after

, morning sickness and supplements can all make you constipated when you're pregnant. It's no fun but you don't need to suffer. Try these six ways to stop pregnancy constipation.Braxton Hicks contractions Braxton Hicks are your muscles practising

wisely at this point to stow away the hoover. Even at this early stage my watch told me that the contractions were only three minutes apart and so I rang the community midwife, who helpfully told me that she was just about to attend another home birth and

labour' is very common  towards the end of your pregnancy as the practise contractions, Braxton Hicks, become stronger and more noticeable. False labour is also more common when this isn't your first baby. If you're not quite sure how to recognise true

to release endorphins, it's own natural pain killers. The signals are delivered to your skin via gel-covered pads wired to the unit and attached to specific places on your back. The signals can be varied in frequency and intensity as contractions become