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GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216

24 Greenslopes Maternity Your Journey Monitoring your baby during labour All babies will be monitored during labour (this means listening to the baby’s heartbeat). The level of monitoring will depend on your medical history, whether there are any problems with your baby or whether there are any expected problems with the birth. Monitoring can be done in these ways: External monitoring (CTG – cardiotocography) This is when an electronic monitor is attached to a belt around your abdomen. The monitor records the baby’s heartbeat and any contractions on a paper printout. Some monitors restrict your movements, so ask if there’s one available that lets you move around (telemetry). Internal monitoring This uses an electronic monitor that attaches a probe through the vagina to your baby’s head. It is only used if the quality of the external monitoring is poor. Listening The midwife or doctor uses a doppler on your abdomen and listens to the baby’s heart beat through your abdomen. On arrival to the Birthing Suites there will be a thorough assessment of you and your baby. A CTG will be conducted on admission to make sure your baby’s heart rate is normal and then intermittently during labour unless there is an indication for continuous CTG monitoring. Pain during labour Your experience of pain in labour can be influenced by a number of things such as the environment in which you give birth, the support you receive, the position of your baby and the method of pain relief that you use. Discuss with your doctor your options for pain relief before your labour. There are a number of natural and medical pain relief options available for you to use in labour: Medical pain relief Epidural This is a local anaesthetic injection into the back (not the spinal cord). You are unable to feel anything from the waist down, so you can’t walk around, but you are still awake. A very thin tube will be left in your back, this is attached to a machine that can deliver a prescribed amount of pain relief. You can also control the amount of pain relief yourself. An epidural can take away the sensation to pass urine. To keep your bladder empty, you will also need a urinary catheter (a thin tube) to drain your urine. You will also need an IV (intravenous) drip inserted into your hand to make sure you are getting enough fluids. Your baby will be continuously monitored by a machine (CTG). Your blood pressure will be monitored more closely. You may still be able to feel the urge to push, but the sensation is reduced. All babies will be monitored during labour... the level of monitoring will depend on your medical history, whether there are any problems with your baby or whether there are any expected problems with the birth.


GPH Materntiy Your Journey Book PI499 0216
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