You wouldn't think of running a marathon without training first, and the same goes for preparing your body for the physical challenge of giving birth.'If you're fit and well, you'll have more strength and stamina for labour,' says antenatal teacher

A tear during labour means that you have suffered damage to the skin, tissues and occasionally muscles of your vagina and perineum - the area between your vagina and anus.The tear could be anything from a nick in the skin to a deeper laceration

labour along.The pain may be too much for you.Your baby's heart rate could drop, meaning he'd need to be born quickly.Your baby might need help being born. If you're tired or your baby is distressed, forceps, ventouse or an episiotomy (a cut between

vagina and anus). It can be anything from a nick in the skin to a deep laceration, and is caused by the pressure of your baby’s head as she comes into the world. ‘I know it sounds scary,’ says John Bidmead, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

Line, says, ‘Get to know your midwife so you can discuss any worries with her. Go to antenatal classes as you'll be taken through the labour process there, and go on a tour of your labour ward - most hospitals offer this once a week and it will give you

between the vagina and the anus - to make the opening larger. You'll be bruised and sore afterwards but your midwife can suggest ways to ease discomfort.C-section lowdownIf you're distressed due to a long or complicated labour, a Caesarean may be suggested

. Even if you're propped up, there isn't much gravity to help you push the baby down.'Lying down can make labour last longer, increase the level of pain, affect your blood pressure and reduce the amount of oxygen your baby receives. Also, your body's main