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Search results for birth

  • Tips for your birth partner

    Find out how your birth partner can help during labour, such as reminding you of relaxation techniques, massaging you and holding your hand.

  • The stages of labour and birth

    Find out what happens during labour and birth, including the 3 stages of labour, contractions, dilation, birth positions and monitoring your baby.

  • Giving birth to twins or more

    What to expect when your twins or triplets are born, including your birth choices and what happens if your babies are premature.

  • Forceps or vacuum delivery

    Find out about assisted birth or assisted delivery, where forceps or vacuum (ventouse) are used to help deliver the baby.

  • What happens at the hospital or birth centre

    Find out when to call the hospital, midwife unit or midwife once labour starts, and when to go. Plus what to expect when you get there, including examinations the midwife will carry out and what the delivery rooms are like.

  • Premature labour and birth

    Find out about premature labour and birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), and what you might expect if it happens.

  • Where to give birth: the options

    Find out about your options for where to give birth: at home, in hospital or at a midwife-led (midwifery) unit. Learn more about which pain relief methods will be available.

  • How to make a birth plan

    Find a birth plan template and learn about making a birth plan, including where to give birth, pain relief options, who to have with you and your feelings on intervention.

  • Your body after the birth

    Advice about stitches, piles, bleeding and other physical changes after birth, plus tips to help you make a healthy recovery.

  • What happens straight after the birth?

    What to expect after your baby is born, including information on skin-to-skin contact, bonding, stitches and vitamin K injections.