, which are the uterus preparing for labour,  throughout most of pregnancy but not all women will feel them. Those who do feel them may start to notice them sometime in the second half of pregnancy, and more likely in the final weeks before labour. Unlike

're not sure how you'll know that labour has started then make sure you check our indications of labour and know how to respond when they appear. Birth experiences And so it starts - Midway through cleaning out the fridge (don’t ask me why it just had

Sylvia Hamilton, 36, lives in Middlesex with husband Craig and daughter Tara, who will be three on Christmas Day. Birth factsBaby's nameTara Louise Weight7lb 4ozLength of labour 10 hoursPain reliefTENS, gas and air, epiduralWorst bit

your spine,” explains yoga instructor Nadia Narain. “All of this can really help when it comes to labour, as it gets your body ready for the biggest physical challenge of your life.”“It’s a really great time to start yoga, especially if you’re naturally

The last month or so of pregnancy is a funny thing, for a start you have no way of knowing whether it's the last month, the last two weeks or the last six weeks before your baby arrives. If you've met other mums through antenatal classes, prenatal

delivery before labour starts - a planned caesarean. In some cases it will be clear that the chances of a successful vaginal delivery are slim, other cases may be less clear-cut and the question will be whether you're prepared to run the risk

with the increasingly tough work of circulation.A very active baby, concerns about premature labour, birth plans and life changes may all be keeping you awake at night, particularly if you’re finding it hard to settle into a comfortable position on your side. Try

with Mum?By now you’re probably more than a little bored with being pregnant and are impatiently waiting for labour to start. As the days go by try not to get too het-up about your approaching due date, although we know that’s easier said than done. Most

folder. Preparing for birth Hospital checklist- If you're going to the hospital you'll need to take a long a well-packed bag. The onset of labour? - If you're not sure how you'll know that labour has started then make sure you check our indications

. No-one can guarantee you your ideal birth, but a clear and well-written birth plan will help midwives and hospital staff understand what is important to you.When to write your birth planYou’ll probably start thinking about what kind of birth you