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The Onset of Labour

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Ob/Gyn Emergency Services (03) 311 65942
Maternity Outpatient Clinic (13-14 hrs) (03) 311 66421
Delivery Room (03) 311 66561

• You have regular, painful contractions every 10 minutes or more frequent
• At the early stage of labour you can stay home as long as you can tolerate the pain and feel baby's movements
• Try to rest and relax between contractions.
• If you cannot lie down, try to mobilize and seek a good position.
• Warm shower, bath, hot packs and massage may help to relieve the pain at the beginning of your labour.
• Be patient and wait weather your contractions continue or fade.
• Remember to eat and drink. Nutrition is important during labour, you need a lot of energy. For example fruit, juices and dairy products are good. Sometimes pain causes nausea and vomiting and it is difficult to eat nor drink.
• You might have a show. Show is a mucoid, often bloodstained discharge.

When to Come to Hospital?

• Your contractions are regular, every five minutes and lasting about one minute, strong and more frequent.
• The pain is too strong to bear.
• Your membranes rupture and you start leaking amniotic fluid.
• You have fresh bleeding.
• If there is continuous pain on your abdomen.

What to Bring to Hospital?

• Maternity card
• If possible bring your own slippers both for yourself and your partner.
• If you are on any medication, bring it with you.
• Snack (fruit, chocolate, juice, etc.)
• Music
• Camera
• Try not to bring too much things and bags. The cupboards are small and there is only one available for each family.

What Happens at Obstetrics and Gynaecology Emergency Services?

• Midwife will assess and examine you.
• Assessments and examinations:
  Urine sample
  Temperature, blood pressure and pulse
  Abdominal palpation
  Vaginal examination
  Auscultation of the fetal heart (CTG)
• Midwife will inquire have you broken your waters, when and what time did it happen, and what time did your regular contractions started.
• Your partner needs to wait on the hall while you are being assessed.
• If you are in active labour you will be given an enema to empty your bowels. You will wear hospital clothing.
• If contractions fade and weaken you can go home if everything is fine.
• If you are in early labour and need pain relief you will be admitted to either antenatal ward 04a, obstetrics and gynaecology emergency services or delivery room.
• Only one companion is allowed.