at Londons Kings Cross Hospital, but your perineum is actually designed to stretch, tear and heal. Indeed, most midwives and obstetricians would rather let you tear than make a surgical cut. Does every woman tear? No, says Mr Bidmead. Id say around
If you've already started thinking about your birth plan or labour day, chances are it doesn't include being induced, needing forceps or having stitches. But, however determined you are to welcome your baby into the world to the sound of chill
you are less likely to require an episiotomy (cut) if you use a birthing pool.Don't get into the pool before you are 5cm dilated - any earlier and the water could stop your contractions rather than speed things up.Are water births safe?Yes, very safe
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
the cervix and stimulate contractions. An oxytocin drip, containing a synthetic version of a hormone naturally produced in labour, may also be used to stimulate contractions. Your doctor may perform an artificial rupture of the membranes (ARM) too, for which
When you've waited nine months to meet your baby, going overdue can be frustrating. But don't get too hung up on the due date itself - only 5% of babies arrive on time, and one in five women has her labour induced because she's overdue.Why induction
, checked and the cord clamped and cut.If everything is OK, you will be able to hold your baby on your chest while the placenta is delivered and you are stitched up. You may prefer your partner to hold the baby while this is completed.The whole operation
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
. 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
