systemThe high oxygen content is good for your babyMinimal interference with your control over labour as you can stop using the gas whenever you likeCan be used in conjunction with other pain relief, such as gas and airCan be used for homebirths

and howWater Birth: for birth and labour pain reliefHome birth: the pros and consPain relief options: Medical pain relief and alternative therapiesWriting your birth plan Useful forum threads Find threadsAll threads with home birth in the title

If you've already decided on a homebirth for your baby then the chances are that you've done quite a lot of research into giving birth and what it may entail. Educating yourself about what you can expect during labour is an important first step

in hospitals, maternity units may provide more options in the way of natural pain relief and support during labour, such as birthing pools, birthing balls, birthing stools, the opportunity to use aromatherapy and massage and a more flexible approach to moving

, you also need plenty of rest, so if at all possible try and enjoy the peace and quiet (unless you’re unlucky enough to be stuck on the labour ward surrounded by the ongoing birthing dramas of other mothers) - it might be the last chance for plenty

is usually given two drugs: The first works on the mother to delay, or even stop, the labour and the second, a steroid, works to speed up the development of the baby's lungs so that they are ready to breathe oxygen after the birth if labour continues

of labour and birth is not imminentIf the mother's blood pressure becomes high and doesn't respond to drugsIf there is abnormal bleedingIf the umbilical cord becomes wrapped around the baby's neck and there is a risk of strangulation at birthIf the umbilical