AS we're sure all mums will agree, going into labour can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience.

So it goes without saying that most women obviously want a loved one by their side for some much-needed supportthroughout it all… right?

Well one mum-to-be is currently faced with the prospect of going it alone after her husband confessed he finds child-birth "gross".

Writing into Slate's Dear Prudence column, the mum-to-be explained how she's a few weeks pregnant with her first child and already the topic of labour has become an issue in her marriage.

She wrote: "I know that you can only prepare, not plan, but no matter what happens or what birth looks like, I want my spouse (and only him) there with me.

"He’s been a great source of comfort and support through the pregnancy, but he has some trepidation about being 'the person in the room.'"

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Describing how he comes from a background where dads-to-be "hang out in the waiting room", the woman said her husband is worried about getting "paralysed by fear" in the room or saying something wrong.

She added: "[He] hinted a little at witnessing the 'grossness' of it (using far more tactful words, though this aspect does sting a little, as we are both 'love is letting your hair down in front of them' people)."

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Turning to the advice columinist for help, she added: "Can’t the partner put aside their preferences to support the birthing parent in whatever is going to make the process more comfortable and supportive for them?"

Unsurprisingly, the agony aunt urged the woman to look for support elsewhere.

She replied: " You have to deliver a baby, with all the pain and risk that entails, and he is not willing to just stand there, totally intact and experiencing no physical discomfort.

"You know what? Fine. Tell him he can do whatever he wants. Because he’s showing so much weakness right now that I don’t think he’d be a supportive presence anyway."

Analysing his "unwillingness" to support his wife, the advice columnist said this could easily become an issue with his parenting style as well.

She continued: "Rally your friends and relatives and tell them your husband has revealed himself to be a 'not sure how he can help' person (they’ll know what you mean) and when your child is born you are going to need a lot of support from people who have a little more to offer."

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