Going into labour
Here it is, the life-changing moment the last nine months have been leading up to! TheSite.org explains what happens when your labour starts or not, if that's the case.
How do I know when I'm in labour?
You may have been feeling practise Braxton Hicks contractions (where your abdomen tightens, then relaxes), but you're unlikely to mistake the signs of real labour. If contractions are regular, last more than 30 seconds and are intensifying, labour may have started. You may also experience a 'show' (the sticky mucus mixed with blood which seals the uterus from infection), backache (similar to period-related pain), waters breaking (either a trickle or a heavy gush) and an upset stomach. If in doubt, don't hesitate to call your maternity ward or midwife.
When should I go into hospital?
Once your waters have broken, you're usually told to go straight in - not necessarily because birth is imminent, but partly because you're at risk of infection once this bag of protective fluid around the baby has ruptured. Some women's waters don't break until delivery itself, so don't wait for your waters to break before going in. If you live near the hospital, wait until you're having three contractions every 10 minutes, lasting one minute each, before leaving for hospital. If the journey might take a while, or this is not your first baby, set off sooner. Don't forget to phone the ward so they can prepare for you and confirm you should leave - you may be sent home if you arrive too early.
Help - I'm a few days late!
That magic 'due date' circled in your diary can be very misleading - fewer than 5% of women give birth on D-day itself. "Being overdue was the worst time of the whole pregnancy and I felt incredibly stressed and frustrated," says first-time mum Olivia, 23. "While I wasn't looking forward to the birth, I wanted it over and the waiting made it hard to relax. Other people constantly texting 'have you had the baby yet?' didn't help! If I get pregnant again, I'll keep the dates hazy."
I'm past my due date, what happens now?
At your 41-week hospital appointment (usually made during your first antenatal visit), a doctor will check your baby's health. You may be offered a membrane sweep - where the neck of the womb is manually 'swished' to see if labour is on its way and possibly stimulate contractions. It may be uncomfortable, but no more than a smear test. If there are any signs the baby is not doing well, or there is any risk to your or the baby's health, the doctor might suggest you are induced (where labour is started artificially). This is because the placenta can weaken 10 or more days past 40 weeks and inducing labour is often recommended if there is any sort of risk to the mother or baby's health. For example, if the mother has high blood pressure or if the baby is failing to grow and develop.
What happens if I'm induced?
Induction is always a planned procedure, so you can discuss the pros and cons and ask why it is suitable for you. Usually, after arriving on the antenatal ward and being checked over, a hormone pessary or gel is inserted into the vagina or by a hormone drip in the arm to soften the cervix and hopefully trigger contractions. Often this will be left to work for a good few hours, or even overnight, during which time you'll stay on the ward being monitored. You'll also be able, and be encouraged, to get up and walk about. They may try and apply the gel a couple of times, but if labour is not established by this method, Oxytocin will be administered by drip, which will increase the contractions. Sometimes a midwife might break your waters artificially to speed things up, but this should not be painful and is nothing to be scared of.
Who's allowed at the birth?
Your birth partner will be allowed to stay with you from established labour to delivery. Birthing pools usually accommodate both you and your partner, and birth partners are also usually allowed to be present during caesarean sections (C-section). Often, one other named person (perhaps your mum, sister or friend) is allowed to accompany you as well, but this depends on the individual hospital's rules.
When can you go home?
Generally, if you've had an uncomplicated delivery, you'll be discharged from hospital between six and 24 hours after giving birth. However, if you've had complications or need help with breastfeeding, you'll be advised to stay a little longer. After a C-section, the average stay is three to five days. It's best to take advantage of all the help in hospital until you feel ready to leave. That way you'll feel more confident taking your little one home for the first time.
Written by Liz Nicholls
Print this page Email this page to a friend Add to favourites
