Psychotherapist Lesley says:

It is natural to fear the unknown so your anxiety is best dealt with by finding out more. An antenatal class where you can share your fears may help.

Labour is different from the pain of injury – imagine the ache of muscles working hard, squeezed and stretched. The more tense you are, the harder it can feel, so the point of the relaxation and breathing you learn is to help you work with your body.

Discuss your fears with your partner, friends and health experts, and keep an open mind about pain relief on the day.

Visit Babyexpert’s Birth Stories, and Labour & Birth sections for more information on how to prepare yourself for labour and what to expect on the day.