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Expecting baby number two, this time Heidi has high hopes for a birth using only gas and air for the pain. With the support of her partner Kris she struggles through her labour pains for over 24 hours.

The Royal Preston Hospital's maternity ward is all set for the day's admissions and the first pregnant mum to walk through the door is 35-year-old Mormon, Katie. She's having a scan to check the health of her baby. It will be her fifth and this time around she really wants a water birth.

After the traumatic birth of her first-born son, this time 36-year-old Michelle is determined to have an easier time. She has gestational diabetes and after scans revealed their baby could be bigger than average, Michelle elects to have a caesarean.

With an unconventional plan to give birth in water and on all fours, first time mum Kayleigh arrives at the hospital in considerable pain. She's gone into labour at home and is using her hypno birthing breathing techniques to help her with the contractions.

The Royal Preston Hospital's Maternity ward, prides itself on the safe delivery of over 4500 babies a year. They have a unit that specializes in the care of high-risk mums and 28-year-old, hairdresser Rachael is under their care. She has a chronic bowel condition meaning her pregnancy and birth come with significant risks.

At the Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire, over 300 members of maternity staff work 24 hours a day ensuring the safe delivery of over 80 babies a week. 28-year-old dance teacher Ashleigh has just driven in with her partner Adam. She is desperate to have a water birth after an emergency forceps delivery lead to post-natal depression with her first child.