to be able to adapt maternity care practice to those changing circumstances. However informing and educating women antenatally is essential to best prepare them for this time. Dedicated antenatal classes facilitated by trained midwives are a common way to deliver such education. Overall, women in this study seem divided on whether they would rather be offered or ask for pain relief in labour-this suggests that every situation is different and that care should be individualized. The majority felt their options were discussed antenatal-ly, but only 65% reported discussion on admission to birth suite. Of note it would seem that midwives’ concerns over early discussion of pain relief options leading to increased use was unfounded in this group. By stipulating a discussion, with documentation,ฃ