.But birth is of course one of those times in life when events can overtake even the best laid plans. Which is why it's important to think about your ‘ideal birth' before you go into labour, as well as the choices you may have to make about your baby's birth

an alternative. Some NHS hospitals, such as The Whittington Hospital in North London, even offer acupuncture as part of the suite of pain relief methods available to labouring women.Acupuncture at The Whittington is used to reduce pain, anxiety and vomiting

Ideally your birth partner will be:CALM:Birth is a demanding experience, so you need someone who can handle the highs and lows, and not take it personally if you snap at them.Would your husband or mum get upset seeing you in pain during labour

MIDWIFE NIKKI SAYS:It's common to worry about how you're going to cope with pain during labour. There are various forms of pain relief available, but an epidural is one that needs to be given by an anaesthetist in hospital. There are certain

babies turn before labour starts. Sitting up straight and spending time in an all-fours position each day can help your baby to turn. If this doesn't work, and your baby is back-to-back when labour starts, it's important to stay upright and mobile to help

risk in VBAC is a small chance that the scar from the first C-section may rupture during labour. If this occurs, an immediate Caesarean is required to prevent the baby becoming distressed, and your midwife will monitor you and your baby carefully during

is not identified until labour starts.If your baby is found to be breech during labour, you'll have the option of continuing with the labour and trying for a vaginal birth, or of having an emergency caesarean, depending on the circumstances of your labour

Amanda Holden has spent three nights in intensive care in hospital after the emergency delivery of baby girl, Hollie.Hollie Rose Hughes was delivered by Caesarean section on Monday and is now in a special care unit, weighing 6lb 1oz.Amanda is said to be in a 'stable' condition an...

Some pregnant mums have a short, smooth labour with just a gulp of gas and air for pain relief. But with around half of all births requiring medical intervention, many women find the birth a little more complicated. Know what might happen and you

Prima Baby magazine’s expert midwife for the past decade, Nikki Khan can advise on all areas of pregnancy, labour & childbirth.If you have concerns, questions or just need some emotional support during your pregnancy, labour and birth or as a new