During pregnancy and labour, your baby's heart rate is monitored to check for any signs of distress.

ECV is a procedure to try to move your baby from a breech position to a head-down position. This is performed by a trained doctor.

Fetal distress is a sign your baby isn't getting enough oxygen through the placenta. It might mean they need closer monitoring or an intervention to speed up the birth.

The Apgar score is a test given to your baby straight after birth to assess their health. Find out what the score measures and what it means.

Baby monitors and sensors can let you know if your baby is crying, but you should never rely on them alone to keep your baby safe. Learn more about baby monitors here.

Induced labour is a medical treatment to start labour. It may be recommended if your baby needs to be born before labour is due to start naturally.

Learn about the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where premature or very ill babies are admitted for highly specialised hospital care.

If you've delivered a baby by caesarean, you can choose to have a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) or a planned (elective) caesarean for your next birth.

Placenta praevia is a condition where the placenta lies low and may cover the cervix, blocking the baby's exit during birth.

Choosing your positions for labour and birth can help you feel in control, reduce pain and open your pelvis to help the baby come out.