22 Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey Remember If you think you are in labour, call your doctor or the Birthing Suites on 07 3394 7328. Labour can be difficult to describe because it’s different for every woman. It may help to understand what is happening to your body. In the very early stages, your cervix begins to soften and thin. This can go on for hours or even days. During this early stage you may experience some pain and discomfort, but often the pattern of contractions is not regular. Most women stay at home during this time. • In early labour you may have: • a blood stained mucus discharge called a ‘show’ • lower back pain • period-like pain which comes and goes • loose bowel motions • ‘breaking of the waters’ (ruptured membranes), which may occur with a sudden gush or a slow leak; the fluid should be clear or slightly pink. If it is a green or blood coloured call the Birthing Suites immediately. • a desire to vomit (it is quite common to vomit during labour). Arriving at Greenslopes Private Hospital It can be difficult to tell when labour has started. If you are unsure, you can telephone the Birthing Suites at any time. If there are strong signs of labour, such as your waters breaking, regular contractions or blood loss you should contact the Birthing Suites. The midwife will ask you about how and where you feel your contractions, how often the contractions come and how long they last. This will help the midwife to know how much your labour has progressed. Depending on what is happening, the midwife may reassure you that it is okay to stay at home or she may ask you to come into hospital so that you and your baby can be checked. Please ensure you always ring and let us know when you are coming to Hospital. If you think you may be in labour and are coming to hospital, please phone ahead to advise the midwives in the Birthing Suites. The main entry point to the Hospital for maternity is via the multistorey car park and along the walkway to the lifts in the Main Foyer. Take the lift to the Maternity Ward on the second floor, turn left out of the lifts and a midwife or clerical person will meet you and escort you down to the Birthing Suites. If you are in strong labour, your partner may park in one of the designated Maternity Emergency Drop Off car spaces, accessed via the Main Entrance to the Hospital via Gate 1 on Newdegate Street. These spaces will be clearly signed. Once parked, please proceed directly to the Maternity Ward per the directions above. As these spaces are for short term parking only, your car will need to be moved to the multistorey car park once you are settled in the Birthing Suites. If you are booked for an elective caesarean section, please present to Main Reception on the Lobby Level for admission where you will be escorted to the Maternity Ward to be prepared for surgery. Assisted birth Caesarean section A caesarean section is a surgical operation in which your baby is born through a cut in your abdomen and uterus. The cut in your abdomen is usually across your belly just above your pubic hair line. It is usually performed under a spinal or epidural anaesthesia. It is rarely necessary to put you to sleep with a general anaesthetic. Some caesarean births are planned in advance (elective caesarean) because of existing problems with your pregnancy. In other cases, the decision to perform a caesarean is made during the course of labour. This is called an emergency caesarean. If you think you are in labour, call your doctor or the Birthing Suites on 07 3394 7328. Info to note It can be difficult to tell when labour has started. If you are unsure, you can telephone the Birthing Suites at any time.
GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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