Worry about the birth

One worry that a lot of women have in pregnancy is whether labour and birth will be painful and how they will cope. It is difficult to imagine what a contraction might be like and no one can tell you – though many will try. However, factual information about the options open to you can help you to feel more confident and more in control.    

Begin by reading the section on Labour and birth  with your partner, or a friend or relative who will be with you for the birth, if possible. Ask your midwife or doctor for any further information. Antenatal classes will also help to prepare you for labour and the birth.    

Think about the sort of labour and birth you would like to have. You will probably have an opportunity to discuss this in more detail with your midwife and to draw up a birth plan during the later months of pregnancy.     

Talk to your partner too, or to someone close to you, and particularly to the person who will be with you in labour. Remember they may be anxious also. Together you can then work out ways in which to cope.

‘I've enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed the newness of it. I’ve enjoyed thinking of the baby. The only thing I haven’t enjoyed is getting so big.’

‘I loved every minute of being pregnant and went through a wonderful experience with labour.’

‘Antenatal classes really helped. I met lots of women there who had the same fears as me. The midwife made us more confident by telling us what happens in labour. I felt well prepared.’

Information provided by Health Promotion England.