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At the hospital

Going into hospital when you are in labour may be frightening, but attending antenatal classes and visiting the hospital during pregnancy should help. Hospitals and GP or midwife units all vary, so this is just a guide to what is likely to happen.

 

Talk to your midwife about the way things are done at your local hospital or unit and what you would like for your birth. If your wishes can’t be met, it’s important to understand why (see Birth plan).

 

Your arrival

If you carry your own notes, take them to the hospital admissions desk. You will be taken to the labour ward, where a midwife will take you to your room and help you change into a hospital gown or a nightdress of your own. Choose an old one that is loose and preferably made of cotton because you’ll feel hot during labour and won’t want something tight.

 

Examination by the midwife

The midwife will ask you about what has been happening so far and will examine you. If you are having a Domino or home delivery, then this examination will take place at home. The midwife will: 

  • take your pulse, temperature and blood pressure and check your urine;

  • feel your abdomen to check the baby’s position and record or listen to your baby’s heart;

  • probably do an internal examination to find out how much your cervix has opened (tell her if acontraction is coming so that she can wait until it has passed), and she will then be able to tell you how far your labour has progressed.

These checks will be repeated at intervals throughout your labour – always ask about anything you want to know. If you and your partner have made a birth plan, show your midwife so that she knows your views about your labour and can help you to achieve them. Many women find that they naturally empty their bowels before, or very early, in labour. Very occasionally, if you are constipated, a suppository may be suggested.

 

Delivery rooms

Some hospitals may have one or two delivery rooms decorated in a more homely way, with easy chairs and beanbags so that you can easily move around and change your position during labour. Talk to your midwife about this and write your wishes in your birth plan.

 

Bath or shower

Some hospitals may offer you a bath or shower. A warm bath can be soothing in the early stages of labour. In fact, some women like to spend much of their labour in the bath as a way of easing the pain.

 

Water births

Some hospitals have birthing pools available (or you may be able to hire one) so that you can labour in water. Many women find that this helps them to relax. If labour progresses normally it may be possible to deliver the baby in the pool. This method is currently being studied, so speak to your midwife and obstetrician about the advantages and disadvantages. You’ll need to make arrangements well in advance.

 

 Information provided by Health Promotion England