Ep 1. Episode 1

One Born Every Minute is a factual television programme that follows the stories of expectant mothers and their partners during their labour and childbirth. Each episode provides an exclusive and intimate insight into the joy, fear and excitement of giving birth, capturing the highs and lows experienced by both the parents-to-be and the medical professionals who support them.

Season 4 Episode 1, named as "Episode 1," follows the events that happen at Birmingham Women’s Hospital's maternity ward. This episode begins with the introduction of two expectant couples, Katie and her partner Jermaine, and Laura and her partner Luke. Katie has polycystic ovary syndrome and is worried about the pain of childbirth, but she is comforted by Jermaine’s presence. Laura, on the other hand, is 36 weeks pregnant and is experiencing pre-labour contractions.

The episode shows both Katie and Laura in their rooms as they go through different stages of labour. As Katie’s pains intensify, she relies on her partner Jermaine for support, who tries to calm her down by holding her hand and providing words of encouragement. The midwife, Sarah, checks on Katie’s progress regularly, and they all started getting excited as the babies' head crowns.

In contrast, Laura's contractions slow down, and the focus of the midwives shifts towards her. They give Laura injections to increase her contractions to make her progress move along so that the baby wouldn't be compromised. Her delivery has reached a critical stage, and the doctors must make a quick decision to stabilize her before going into labour.

Meanwhile, the episode also shows the busy life of the medical team, who are always on the go, and their methodical and professional approach in handling the mothers in labour. The expert staff provides medical advice and emotional support that the nervous parents-to-be need. They help couples through the highs and lows of giving birth and are always with them every step of the way to provide reassurance and answer any questions.

As the episode progresses, we see the contrasting experiences of the two couples during their birthing process. While Katie and Jermaine’s baby is finally born after several hours of intense labour, Laura's labour seems to have stalled. The medical team decides it's best to break Laura's waters to progress the birth, which work out for her.

The episode concludes with the birth of Laura's beautiful baby girl, who arrived in the world healthy and happy. Both babies are welcomed with huge smiles and joy from the mothers and partners, and the new family members bask in the glow of the newborns.

Overall, One Born Every Minute Season 4 Episode 1 - "Episode 1" is an emotional journey that takes viewers through the deeply personal experience of childbirth. The show provides a window into the intimate and sometimes challenging moments that expectant parents experience, allowing for a better understanding of the process and all its unique challenges. It is an excellent choice for anyone interested in childbirth, parenting, or just looking for a compelling and emotional TV show.