Prima Baby magazines 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
for low-risk pregnancies. 'We use underwater monitors to assess the baby's wellbeing and will trasnfer the mum to the obstetric maternity unit if there's cause for concern,' says Louise.Don't worry about your baby drowning as he won't take his first breath
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
Our webchat is the chance to get answers to your intimate questions about post-birth healing.Expert Rachel Foux (pictured) has over 13 years experience in womens health and holistic healing as a qualified maternity and fertility therapist
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
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
to practice in hospital.What if my GP doesn't approve?Your GP has nothing to do with it. It's a woman's choice where she has her baby.How do I deal with opposition?Contact the Association For Improvements In Maternity Services on 0870 765 1433 or your local
