Article: Tina Otte from Your Pregnancy magazine

Thank oxytocin
Oxytocin is the hormone that keeps the contractions coming and going. Levels peak after the baby's born, allowing the placenta to separate easily and safely with our excessive bleeding. At this point, oxytocin loads the breast with colostum, warms your skin and make you more receptive to receiving your baby.

If you are left undisturbed, the high level of oxytocin motivate breastfeeding and bonding. To keep the oxytocin flowing, you need to be left, in a private place, with no demands on you, free to focus on your baby.

Adrenaline: Facing the moment of truth
When we're anxious or frightened, the body releases hormones called catecholamines (adrenaline and non-adrenaline). They initiate the fight or flight syndrome, giving us superhuman strength to escape or fend off danger. These hormones act on the nervous system, causing agitation, restless body movements, rapid breathing, dilated pupils, shivering, raised blood pressure and rapid pulse.

In labour, if you feel uncomfortable, tense, nervous or unsupported, your body will assume you are in danger and release adrenaline to assist you. The level of oxytocin falls in direct proportion to the rising level of adrenaline and contraction s can slow or, if you are in early labour, even stop. The cervix can cease to dilate, resulting in a tug-of-war effect and increased pain and little progress. It is vital that you feel safe during your labour to keep adrenaline levels at bay.

However, they're not all bad, and these emergency hormones come into their own in the darkest hour. Just before the pushing begins, there will be a "rest and be thankful" phase. This will allow you to take a break, get a second wind and renew your energy.

As the uterus gets ready to expel the baby, there is a peak release of all the hormones – including adrenaline. The level of oxytocin is so high at this point that not even the adrenaline will bring it down.

Left undisturbed, your behaviour changes visibly in response to this adrenaline rush. From being withdrawn and focused inward on your self, you are now alert and full of energy, with renewed strength to deliver your baby. Some women have a very short episode of fear, which is a sure sign of adrenaline release.

Endorphins: natural painkillers
Endorphins (similar in structure to opium) are released when the body is stressed beyond it's normal limits. They are the body's natural painkillers. As labour progresses, contractions get gradually longer and stronger. Due to the effects of this hormone, you have no perception of time and space. As the labour progresses, the endorphin levels rise to contend with the increasing pain and fatigue.

During the transition phase of labour, the uterus changes its action, from opening the cervix to pushing the baby out. At this stage, the contractions are long and strong and unrelenting. This is when endorphin production reaches its peak, allowing you to manage your pain – and to "switch off" and focus on what you have to do – deliver your baby.