Going into Labour

If you are not sure if you are in labour or are unsure if you need to be seen at the hospital, your GP or community midwife can provide advice and support in the first instance. If they are unavailable you can contact the Day Obstetric Unit (DOU).

Arrange for your partner or family member or friend to take you to hospital. If you have no transport, ambulance control may be contacted on 028 9040 2222 however emergency calls take priority and you may have to wait for an ambulance to be available.

In an emergency use 999.

If you are arriving at the Maternity Unit after 9pm, at weekends or bank holidays please press the intercom bell at the side of the door to speak with a Labour Ward midwife. The doors will be locked for security reasons after 10pm. To get into the unit after this time use the intercom bell at the left side of the door, a midwife from Labour Ward will answer and ask you to come in, then she will come downstairs to meet you.

If you are hearing impaired, when coming in to be admitted in labour outside hours, please press the doorbell to let us know you are there. You will be seen on the security camera and then a midwife will also come down to meet you in outpatients.

Pain relief

Childbirth is rarely a pain-free experience. Your labour will be painful and it is important that you learn how you and your partner can help you cope with your contractions. Discuss with your midwife, GP or obstetrician what you options are. Write your wishes in your birth plan and remember it is important to keep your options open as childbirth is different for each mother and effective pain relief is different for each individual. Please read and discuss with your partner the pain relief information. You will be able to discuss methods of pain relief with your midwife in the Labour Ward, the Antenatal Clinic and at parentcraft sessions.

Labour

When you are in early labour you may remain in the Antenatal Ward. Your husband/partner or a friend of your choice may also stay with you. As labour progresses you will move from the antenatal ward to the Labour Ward where a midwife will provide all your care and assist you to deliver your baby. If there are any problems the doctor will be consulted.

Monitoring your baby's heartbeat

Every baby's heart is monitored throughout labour. The staff are watching for a change in the heart rate that would indicate that attention is required. There are different ways of monitoring the heartbeat, either with a hand held instrument called a Pinnards stethoscope or a hand held monitor called a sonicaid.

If it becomes necessary to monitor the baby's heartbeat more closely you may be attached to a monitor using a strap around your tummy. Sometimes it is also necessary in labour to monitor the heartbeat more exactly and you will be asked permission to attach a clip to your baby's head. The midwife or obstetrician will discuss the best way to monitor your baby during labour.