Bad news for worries – qa study from Norway has found that labour takes an average 47 minutes longer for women who fear giving birth.

The research which involved more than 2,000 women suggests that anxiety increases the hormons that weaken the ability of the uterus to contract.

Researchers advise talking through any worries with your doctor and midwife, both to tell fears and to improve communication – since women who don’t express their needs clearly also seem to have long labours.