Support during labour and birth

The stages of labour

What to expect during the different stages of labour.

Pain relief during labour

How to help manage your pain during labour and birth.

Monitoring during labour and birth

How you and your baby's health are checked during labour and birth.

Having a caesarean section

A caesarean section (C-section) is an operation where your baby is born through a cut in your belly (abdomen) and your uterus.

Read more about having a caesarean on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.

When labour needs more support

If your labour doesn’t start on its own or your contractions slow down, you may be offered an intervention. This is a treatment or procedure that’s used to help start labour, strengthen contractions, or help deliver your baby. Learn more about the different types of interventions on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website.