Special deliveries return H

ARRIET the midwife says some women have a birth plan, but with a wry look in her eye she adds: “There’s not much point in that”.

She’s right – childbirth certainly doesn’t always go to plan and everyone needs to be prepared for anything. “Unfortunately it is an unmanageable beast,” she adds.

As this award-winning documentary begins its 11th series, it moves to Birmingham Women’s Hospital, where we once again witness the highs and lows that happen every day in a maternity ward.

As always, it packs a punch emotionally as we get to the know couples at these intense moments in their lives, before the inevitable drama begins.

In this first episode, we meet Samantha, 26, who is at high risk because she had leukaemia as a child, and also lost her first child at 25 weeks.

Her husband Tony, 29, is understandably stressed.

We also hear the story of Sharon, 33, and husband Rav, 44, who are different castes according to Indian tradition, so Rav found it difficult to win over Sharon’s family. Now they are expecting child number two.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Rhiana, and Lee, 30, are hoping for a second textbook water birth – but will everything go to plan?

Expect a fair amount of screaming and groaning, and some heart-stopping moments too as one mother needs emergency treatment.

You will be impressed by the staff, a wonderful example of our brilliant NHS, and wowed by the ever-astounding miracle of birth.