Your pelvis helps to carry your growing baby and is tailored for vaginal births. Learn more about the structure and function of the female pelvis.

During childbirth, your body's hormones, ligaments and muscles, as well as the shape of your pelvis, all work together to bring your baby safely into the world.

There are a number of positions you can try when you are in labour to help ease pain and aid in opening your pelvis for a smoother birth.

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

Choosing your positions for labour and birth can help you feel in control, reduce pain and open your pelvis to help the baby come out.

Your baby will by now be curled up and cramped inside your uterus and weigh about 2.5kg. Your bump may have moved down, putting pressure on your lower abdomen.

Some women develop pelvic pain in pregnancy. This is sometimes called pelvic girdle pain (PGP) in pregnancy or symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

Here are some of the signs that let you know labour may be starting and baby is on the way.

The third trimester is the last 3 months of your pregnancy – an exciting time, but with some discomforts too. Learn more about what to expect before the birth.

Find out about the non-medical pain relief options for when you are in labour, and which types may be suitable and available for you.