Overview Labour The last weeks of pregnancy Contractions and how to time them Stages of labour How to recognise the start of labour When to contact the Birthing Suites When to come to hospital, including special reasons for coming in The birth journey, including: • Onset of labour • Established labour • Transition • Second stage • Birth of the placenta, including the role of oxytocin Immediate care of the mother and baby following delivery Birth partner’s role during the birth journey Positions in labour The last weeks of your pregnancy In the last few weeks before the birth, the baby’s head engages into the pelvis ready for labour. Braxton Hicks contractions may become stronger and more frequent. You may experience an increase in vaginal mucous. Usually in the last days/week the cervix softens and ripens ready for labour. Contractions In labour, the muscles of the uterus contract. Contractions start in the upper segment of the uterus and spread downwards to the lower segment. The upper part of the uterus pulls on the lower part causing thinning and opening of the cervix. The contractions push the baby down and out of the uterus and vaginal canal. Effective contractions occur with rhythmic regularity. The contractions become longer, stronger and closer together as labour progresses. Please call the Birthing Suites on 07 3394 7328 and your obstetrician when you have decided to come to the Hospital. 10 Greenslopes Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education
Childbirth and Parent Ed Book 1015 PI448
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