Labour
The first stage of labour and birth is usually the longest and is when your baby gets ready to be born. Labour may be starting if you have a show, your waters break or your contractions start.

Early signs of labour
What are the early signs of labour and what happens next
Contractions
What contractions are, how long they last and how to cope with them
Checks and monitoring during labour
How you and your baby will be monitored throughout labour
Labour positions
How to stay comfortable during labour and the positions you can try
Pain relief in labour
Pros and cons of different pain relief options in labour - including gas and air and epidurals
Anaesthetics in labour
Types of regional and general anaesthetic offered in labour