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Not to be sent home. |
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Shown to the room you will continue to labour in and give birth in. |
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Encouraged to create your own environment. |
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Shown where the mats, beanbags and / or birthing balls are located (or these may be already set up). |
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The caregiver may make up heat packs, if you are not using any yet. |
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If you sounded like you were well into the active phase when you rang then your caregiver may run the bath, so it is full on your arrival. |
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To be asked if you have emptied your bladder recently, and if you wish to do this before they examine you. |
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To have an abdominal examination (called 'palpating') to feel the position of the baby, how far down in the pelvis the baby is, or if the head is engaged. |
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You may be offered an internal vaginal examination to measure cervical opening (or dilation). This is usually at your discretion, unless the caregiver is concerned, and needs to know your progress. |
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Your caregiver will check your baby's heart rate and vaginal discharge on arrival and then every 1/2 an hour. If the waters are heavily meconium stained, or the baby's heart rate is too low or high, they may suggest you transfer to the delivery suite for continuous monitoring of the baby's heart rate. |
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Your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be checked on arrival and every 2 hours. |
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Your caregiver will observe and time some contractions and assess how you are coping. They may leave the room if all is going well. |
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Your caregiver may suggest heat packs, a shower, a bath or different positions, if you are looking lost or unsure. |
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Offer you fluids to drink or a light snack. |
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If your primary caregiver is a private obstetrician, the birth centre midwife will notify them of your arrival and your progress (if it is during the day). If you arrive after about 10pm or before about 6 am, then staff will not necessarily contact your obstetrician, unless the obstetrician requests it or if there is a complication or you are pushing and the birth appears imminent. If you are in established labour during the day, your obstetrician may drop in to see you (if they are in the hospital). Otherwise, you will not see them until you have moved into the 2nd stage of labour (if this is your second, or subsequent baby) or when your baby's head is on view (meaning that it can be seen), if it is your first baby. |
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If this is your 2nd or subsequent birth, your caregiver will prepare for the baby's arrival towards the end of 1st stage, as the pushing phase may be quicker (usually about 15 to 30 minutes) than with your first birth. |