Stages of Labour

Birth video shows Barry Hall supporting Lauren Brant in labour

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Photo: Dr Olivier Ami - CHU Clermont Ferrand, France

Amazing MRI images show exactly how a baby's head changes in the birth canal

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The decision to induce labour depends on many factors, but women must be central to this process.

What happens when labour is induced and when is it necessary?

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Natural pain relief in the early stages of labour

While managing labour pains on your own can be daunting, there are a number of natural pain relief options to help you cope until you are admitted to hospital.

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Delivery room surprises: when gender predictions are wrong

Out of all the questions asked of mums-to-be, 'Do you know what you're having?' would be right up there in popularity.

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Walking or being vertical can help with moving labour along.

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Best positions for labour

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Packing your hospital bag

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When should I go to hospital?

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Can you describe what childbirth feels like? These mums are having a go

How would you describe the pain of childbirth?

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Should these phrases be banned from the delivery room?

Over-dramatic, anxiety-provoking and violent language should be kept out of the birthing suite.

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Eating and drinking during labour is safe, new study finds.

Put down the ice chips: eating and drinking during labour is safe

Women have long been told to avoid eating or drinking during labour due to concerns around the risk of vomiting or aspiration.

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Balloon simulation perfectly shows what contractions are like

We are feeling all of the sympathy.

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Obstetrician choreographs labour dance

And does it with his patients.

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Is it safe to workout during labour?

Here's what the experts say.

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Why I loved giving birth standing up

After three very different labours, I was hoping my fourth and final one would be the holy grail of labours.

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'Bring back my placenta': mum's plea to freezer thieves

A woman has made an emotional plea for the return of her son's placenta amid fears it's been eaten by the thieves who stole it from her freezer.

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Some babies are born with a protective covering of vernix.

Facebook page celebrates vernix - AKA baby’s 'birthday frosting'

Birth Without Fear is celebrating vernix – or what they call 'birthday frosting' – by sharing a photo of a baby covered in a thick layer of vernix.

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Put down the ice chips: eating in labour may actually be beneficial.

Eating during labour may be beneficial, study finds

A new study has demonstrated that eating during labour - rather than chowing down on ice chips - may actually be beneficial, leading to shorter deliveries.

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Like any stage of labour, the delivery of the placenta may not pan out as expected.

What you need to know about the third stage of labour

You did it! Your baby is safely out and in your arms and the relief is overwhelming. Now there's the placenta.

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