Leading up to labour, first-time birthers are very curious about what the different stages of labour feel like. Most are usually pretty interested in finding out how many centimetres dilated they are too.

Early labour is when contractions are sporadic; they last less than a minute and don’t have a distinct pattern. This stage can last a long time (we’re talking days), so it’s best to ignore.

Grantly Dick-Read first suggested the fear-tension-pain cycle in the 1920s. When a birther is fearful in labour they increase the tension in their body, which causes them the feel more pain, and this continues the cycle.