It's perfectly natural to have some concerns and niggles about giving birth, especially if you're a first-time mum. However, being well-prepared and knowing what's ahead can make a real difference, and may help to ease your worries. Try and use your pregnancy as a time to research your options for the birth. Talk to other mums to find out what their experiences have been, discuss the issues with your midwife and read as much as you can.

Antenatal classes
Most hospitals run a short series of free classes for mums-to-be and their birthing partners to attend. Typically these will cover topics such as the different stages of labour, pain relief, breathing exercises and what to expect in the first few weeks after your baby's born. They're a great way to prepare for the birth and a chance to chat to other parents in your area. You can also sign up for classes with organisations such as the National Childbirth Trust. You will have to pay for these, but many people who attend find them really useful and a great way to make friends with people in the same situation.

Hospital or Home Birth?
You've probably already thought a bit about whether you want to have your baby in hospital or at home. Try and chat to other mums in your area about their experiences and discuss all aspects of care available with your midwife and GP. No matter what questions you may have, they've probably heard them hundreds of times before! Birth centres are also gaining popularity in the UK. They aim for a home-style birth with technology on hand if necessary and a more personal level of care than you may find in a large maternity unit. Some birth centres work within the NHS and some are private - check with your midwife for details.

Writing a Birth Plan
Writing a birth plan can help you to decide how you'd like your baby's birth to be and to focus on the different aspects of your care. It's a great idea to discuss your plan with your midwife both when you're pregnant and when you're in labour as she'll probably be able to help you out with any information and advice you may need. Typically your birth plan will cover topics such as what pain relief you would like, how you would like your baby to be monitored during labour, what intervention you would like to avoid, how you would like to feed your baby. It can be as long or as short as you like, and you should remember that nothing in your plan has to be fixed. You can change your mind at any time, even at the very last minute. Don't forget that your circumstances might change too, which could make you see things differently or change the type of care you will need. You should keep a copy of your birth plan with your notes and take your own copy to hospital when the time comes.