massaging the line of the ridge. This may be easiest to do in the bath or the shower as the water lubricates your fingers. Otherwise, you will need to use a little oil on your thumb and index finger. Put your thumb on the inside of the tear, inside

previous cervical tear or surgery. Another cause is a very big baby, so the head remains high instead of descending into the pelvis. This is known as an obstructed labour. Whatever the reason, if the cervix doesn't dilate properly it's impossible to have a

for an elective C-section but my consultant has refused and said that as labour progresses I will have an epidural instead. I was too upset to argue and left in tears. How can I come to terms with this?Psychotherapist Lesley Steyn says: 'I'm sorry you've been