Read about your pelvic floor, including your perineum, which lies across the bottom of your pelvis and can be damaged during pregnancy and childbirth.

Perineal massage is a technique that can be used during pregnancy to help to stretch the perineum, to reduce the risk of tears when giving birth.

Learn how to do a perineal massage to help prepare you having a baby.

A perineal tear is an injury to the skin and/or muscle between the vagina and anus that can happen during birth. Learn how it's treated and how to reduce your risk.

An episiotomy is a procedure that can be done during a vaginal birth. Read about when and why an episiotomy may be needed and recovery.

The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia. Learn more about its anatomy and role during pregnancy and labour.

Find out what to expect in the first 24 hours after giving birth.

Birth injuries to the mother, such as perineal tears and pelvic floor damage can sometimes occur. Support and treatment is available.

The second stage of labour lasts from when the cervix is fully dilated (open) until your baby’s birth. Learn more about this stage.

Glossary of common terms and abbreviations used in pregnancy and labour.