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The birth of your baby

What is a straightforward birth?
Straightforward birth, sometimes called normal or natural birth, means giving birth vaginally, without any procedures or interventions, such as an epidural or the use of forceps,...
Encouraging a straightforward birth: what to do in pregnancy
You may think that whether or not you have a straightforward birth is just luck of the draw. But this isn’t necessarily the case and there are lots of things you can do in...
Good positions for your baby before birth
Giving birth can be easier if your baby is in a particular position in your pelvis: head pointing down and facing your back. This is known as the ‘occiput anterior’ position.
Encouraging a straightforward birth: what to do in labour
Find out about practical ways to help you have a straightforward birth.
Helping your baby into a good position for birth
If you’re looking for advice on how to get your baby into the best position for birth, this page provides you with some hints and tips.
Multiple births
Twins and triplets are more likely to be born early, so if you are expecting more than one baby, it's important to be prepared and understand your birth options.
Breech babies
Find out what it means if your baby is in the breech position. Is it possible to turn the baby the right way round? Is it safe to have a vaginal delivery or is it better to have a...
Reasons for caesarean birth
This page explains why doctors might recommend either an elective or emergency caesarean section, whether you can refuse to have one and what the risks are compared to a vaginal...
Giving birth by caesarean section: elective and emergency caesareans
About a quarter of all babies in the UK are now born by caesarean section. This page tells you what you need to know about giving birth this way.
What happens during an elective or emergency caesarean section?
Everything you want to know about having a caesarean section: what anaesthetic you’ll have, how you’ll be prepared, what happens during the operation and when you’ll see your baby.
Vaginal birth after caesarean: VBAC
You have had a caesarean birth with an earlier pregnancy, but the options remain open for the birth of your next baby. Most women who choose ‘VBAC’ have a successful vaginal birth.
What happens if my baby is ‘late’?
The end of your pregnancy is getting nearer, and most people hope for a birth on or around the due date. Read more about what happens if your baby doesn’t arrive on time.