Visualising the miracle of birth is not easy. But a 'dilation board' can bring it all into perspective for mums-to-be!

Do you know how to tell the difference between Braxton Hicks and real labour pains?

Early and active 1st stage contractions are usually defined as pains that come every 2, 3, 4 or 5 minutes (timed from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction). They usually last more than 40 seconds and up to 70 seconds each time. Prelabour contractions are usually further apart, shorter in length (or very long eg. 2 minutes) and can often be erratic.

From about 8 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus begins to generate small waves of contractions. These are known as Braxton Hicks contractions

Foetal distress can occur during pregnancy, or more commonly during labour. Foetal distress can be due to a wide range of reasons.

Acupressure, Shiatsu and Reflexology work on similar principles to acupuncture. Learn more about the differences and benefits here

There are many medical methods of induction available today, find out more about them here.

There are possible side effects of having an epidural, read about what they are here.

Water births have many physical benefits, including pain relief and fast dilation of the cervix. Read more about them here

Read about what your body may do after birth and what it means.

Several things can be done that might make you have contractions and start your labour, but they'll only work if your body is ready.

Find out about the three main medical pain-relieving options during labour and what they may mean for you.

Choosing between an obstetrician or midwife may be an easy choice for those with a well-established preference, but for others it can be a confusing process.

Birth centres offer an alternative to public hospitals for giving birth. Find out whether your baby’s birth would be suited to a birth centre.

Baby's that are born overdue often show the following signs:

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Occasionally (about 1 in every 400 births, or 0.25%) the baby is lying across ways in the uterus, called a 'transverse lie'

Everything you need to know for all the stages of labour, pain relief, the birth of your baby and more.

Premature labour occurs when you go into labour before the 37-week mark of your pregnancy. Find reassurance and be prepared for a premature labour and birth with an understanding of what to expect when you go through premature labour and give birth. Kidspot New Zealand