Adrenaline and noradrenaline – stress hormones that help at the right time

Endorphins – the body’s natural pain relief

Oxytocin – the hormone that drives contractions

Prostaglandins – the hormones that soften the cervix and help labour begin

Progesterone – the hormone that keeps the uterus calm until labour begins

What happens when you are admitted to the labour ward?

How can I manage contractions at home or at the delivery unit?

How do you know when labour is active?

What can I do at home while waiting to go to the delivery unit – and how long can I stay at home?

Why do they send me home from the delivery unit even though I have contractions?