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
Excited, impatient, nervous... chances are you're feeling all these things and more as you count down the days to your due date. Although every birth is different, having an idea of what might happen during the different stages of labour can help
If your due date is approaching, you have probably started thinking about how you would like to deliver your baby.Here are three birth positions you might want to consider:Standing:In the first stages of labour, try to stay upright. Your baby's head
, or your best friend panic if there was an emergency?Discuss any concerns with your birth partner long before your due date.INFORMED:Your birth partner needs to know what labour involves, pain relief options and ways they can help you cope
date approaches, you should also:Eat well and get plenty of restPractise your breathing exercises - your antenatal teacher or midwife should be able to advise you about thisGentle squats will help strengthen your legs for labour. Use a chair or exercise
: If you are more than 10 days past your due date and there is evidence that the placenta is failing If you have pre-eclampsia If the baby is not growing well If the waters break but there are no contractions after 24 hours If there is a significant
Your due date is fast approaching, you're feeling excited and nervous, but how will you know for sure when labour is actually starting? Early labour is when the uterus starts to contract, and the cervix - which is the neck of the womb - softens
in the final weeks leaning forward over a beanbag is said to help, too.I've been told my baby is small for dates. Will he cope with labour?' Small for dates' means that your baby is smaller than average for his age. Certain things can cause this, for example
While being told your baby is breech bottom down instead of head first is worrying, remember, babies move around a lot, so yours may turn as your due date nears. However, around 3% of babies are still breech at 37 weeks. Here, we answer some
as long as there were no complications and labour started within 10 days of my due date, a home birth was fine.I had my antenatal appointments at the clinic, part of my GP's practice, and scans at the hospital. At 28 weeks it was explained to me
