The intensity of labour can depend on your mind-set, so it’s worth thinking about.
"Pains are productive, as each contraction opens your cervix to let your baby out," says Virginia.
"Try to think about accepting each one as a positive thing and you’ll be able to handle them more proactively."A birth mantra could help.
There are plenty of effective pain relievers on hand, too, and reading up on the pros and cons of each one will help you make the right choice.
"Don’t be apologetic about your needs," says Dr Kirstie McKenzie-McHarg, a pre - and postnatal psychologist.
"If you want something stronger, ask your midwife." The intensity of labour can depend on your mind-set, so it’s worth thinking about.
It is widely believed among midwives as well as hypnobirthing practitioners, that breathing techniques can go a long way to help manage the pain of contractions.
Try a hypnobirthing course to learn more about breathing, relaxation and visualisation techniques.
According to the hypnobirthing philosophy, even semantics can affect the way in which we handle pain.
At the onset of labour, Kirsty Gallacher, who runs a Birth Preparation Course at Yogahome, suggests using a technique called yogic breathing – it calms and relaxes you, but also energises and helps build strength.
"Inhale into your belly, feeling it rise, then continue the inhalation up into your ribcage, feeling it expand outwards and upwards.
"When your ribs are fully expanded, inhale a little more then expand into the base of your neck, lifting your collarbones and shoulders," she says.
"Exhale to relax your lower neck and feel your collar bones and shoulders drop, before letting your ribcage relax, down and inwards, and your belly fall, trying without strain to allow your diaphragm to push up towards the chest to empty your lungs completely."