20 things no one tells you about giving birth

If you're nearing the end of your pregnancy, you'll probably be feeling apprehensive and excited. You may have written a birth plan and feel confident you know what to expect about labour. But giving birth is different for everyone – and there are a few things that just might surprise you!

Your water may break, but it could still be hours and hours before contractions even start and your cervix begins dilating to make way for the arrival of your baby. It's just not like it is in the movies!

You might give birth in complete silence. However, many mums are completely shocked by the noises that come out of their mouths during labour.

Moaning, groaning and grunting - not to mention swearing! - are all common sounds you might find yourself making.

Your water doesn't break in a giant slosh at your feet like in every movie ever made. Its likely to be a small, continuous trickle, that can last all day.

Don't be alarmed if you find yourself pushing your partner away when you're in labour.

Many mums find they don't want their partner near them, let alone touching them or whispering encouraging words. Being in labour can make us behave in ways we wouldn't expect, so don't worry, it'll be temporary.

And, trust us, there'll be a LOT.

You'll be so focused on your baby arriving, you really won't care.

It's just easier to give birth with no clothes on. Your private bits are public property now anyway ... it's not the time to be shy.

By the time it's all done, you and your partner will have a hunger like you've never known. And, trust us, that first cup of tea and toast you might be given at the end will be the best meal ever!

It's a myth that you will always instantly fall in love with your new baby.

Yes this might happen, but also it might not. It's really common for it to be a gradual process, so don't worry.

Don't be too embarrassed if you poo during labour, though. The midwives have seen it all before.

The amount of blood and bodily fluids involved in giving birth can come as a shock.

You may know that postnatal bleeding is part of the deal, but no one really talks about the shock of finding that there are sometimes clots, too. Small clots are quite normal, but if they're large, tell your midwife.

Literally blood, sweat, tears and probably poo. Labour will smell gross.

Buckets at the ready, it might be a queasy ride ...

Lots of women are sick during labour. You might not be expecting it and it's not very pleasant, but it's very normal, so hang on in there and don't worry.

You could tear the area during labour and need to be 'put back together', which is uncomfortable, but over quickly. You've just pushed out a brand new baby, so what's a few stitches in your nether regions? Vagina stitches dissolve in a week or two.

After all the pushing and drama of getting the baby out, you have to deliver the placenta. You've just pushed a human being out of your body though, so the placenta should be a walk in the park.

You might laugh at the size of the maternity pads - some of them look more like nappies - but you'll be grateful for them in the days after birth. Trust us.

The prospect of giving birth is a daunting one and it's really normal to feel at least a little nervous. But take it from us, you'll find strength you didn't know your had and your body's capable of much more than you realise.

It's a tight squeeze making it out through the birth canal. So don't be surprised if your baby looks a little funny, squashed or puffy when he first makes an appearance.

If your birth involves interventions such as forceps, it's quite normal for your baby's head to look slightly cone-shaped, too.

Giving birth is REALLY hard work.

There'll be moments when you'll feel like you're running a marathon and you'll be surprised just how tiring it is. Why not check out the six things that just might your labour a LITTLE bit easier.

Don't be surprised if your birth plan ends up in a crumpled up heap on the floor.

Though writing a birth plan's an important step, it's really hard to know how to predict how you'll feel and how things will shape up.

Many mums find their birth experiences are nothing like they thought or planned for.

Seriously ... you'll actually forget this horror. After spending SO long worrying about giving birth, it’s all over and it's now all about the new life you've brought into the world. You have a human to raise.

Why d'you think so many people go through it all again?