How to time contractions From the time the contraction begins to hurt until the pain diminishes is the length of the contraction. From the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next indicates the time between contractions. Contractions usually last no longer than 60 to 90 seconds. Contractions commence sporadically, increasing as labour progress. Please call the Birthing Suites on 07 3394 7328 when you have decided to come to the Hospital. On arrival you will be assessed by the midwife, who will notify your doctor of your admission and stage of labour. If you are unsure whether you are in labour or need any advice, please ring the Birthing Suites. Please keep in phone contact with the midwife throughout your early labour. If you have ruptured membranes or experience bleeding from the vagina, please wear a pad so that the midwives can make an assessment. Notify the midwife if the fluid is not clear. Monitoring during labour During your antenatal period or prior to admission to hospital you will be asked to sign a pre admission patient information form. The purpose of this form is to make sure there is clear understanding by you and your partner as to the safety aspects of birth for you and your baby. It is important to us that both you and your baby are kept safe and well during labour. There will be a thorough assessment of you and your baby on arrival to the Birthing Suites. The baby’s heart beat and your contractions will be monitored electronically using a machine called a cardiotocograph (CTG). The monitor is strapped to your abdomen by a belt or you may be placed on a mobile telemetry unit so you can walk around. At all Ramsay Health Care maternity facilities, 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 continual CTG monitoring. Prior to admission a consent form should be completed by your Doctor and yourself, to be forwarded by your Doctor to our Birthing Suite. Birth plans A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour. If you decide to create a birth plan, you are encouraged to write down your preferences so your wishes can be clearly communicated to all staff caring for you in labour. It is important that you discuss your plan with your obstetrician and maternity staff so your wishes can be discussed and any concerns for safety raised with you. What might be safe and practical for one mother may not be for another depending on factors such as your medical history, your overall health during your pregnancy, whether there is more than one baby to deliver and how the baby is positioned. When to contact the Birthing Suites • When you no longer feel comfortable at home and need reassurance • When your waters break, especially if green discolouration of the amniotic fluid is present. Please report this immediately to the Birthing Suite midwife • If you have any vaginal bleeding • If you require pain relief • If you are concerned with the movement of your baby • If you feel unwell • If you feel you need support at any time throughout labour. The Birthing Suite midwife will advise you when to come in to Hospital. Policy concerning use of film equipment in Obstetrics Ramsay Health Care (“RHC”) recognises that unique and special moments arise in hospitals that patients, families and friends may wish to capture on film. RHC needs to ensure that patient safety, clinical teamwork, the privacy of other patients’, staff members and medical personal are not compromised. Devices that record both film and sound are not allowed in the following clinical areas: • Operating suite • Birth suites • Special care nurseries. Single shot devices that do not record sound are permissible by the agreement of the care team members present at the time. Film and sound may be recorded in the privacy of a patient’s own rooms, provided the privacy of other patients and staff members are not compromised. Greenslopes Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education 11 Something to Remember
Childbirth and Parent Ed Book 1015 PI448
To see the actual publication please follow the link above