The best way to avoid them is to birth in a good position (not lying on your back) and to avoid having an epidural or other pain relief which reduces your mobility. I got them from my first birth - and you guessed it, lying on my back after an epidural. I wasn't even able to sit up as my blood pressure was too low (from the epidural) and DS was in foetal distress (from the epidural).

Have a read of New Active Birth. It is abo****ely brilliant and will help you birth in a way that will help you avoid the "H" word, as well as other unpleastantries such as tears and episiotomy.