Coping with Pain The kind of pain you'll experience during contractions can vary. It may feel like a thick band being squeezed around your abdomen as the uterus hardens and tightens for several seconds before relaxing. Some women compare it to severe menstrual cramps, others experience backache, but there may be a combination of sensations as the contraction peaks and then subsides. Individual response You may prefer not to use certain drugs during your labour as they can dim your awareness of what is happening; however, it is very difficult to know the level of pain you can manage without relief, particularly if ...

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, you must attend your antenatal check-ups regularly. Although most pregnancies proceed normally, these visits and investigations are vital to monitor your progress and spot problems before any harm is done. Women at high risk, and those women with an existing condition such as diabetes or having a Rhesus negative blood group, are carefully monitored so that the baby's welfare is never in jeopardy. You will attend an antenatal clinic at either the hospital where you will have your baby or at your doctor's surgery. Most of the women attend once a month or so up until 7 ...