Which way's the hospital?

Commented by 0 Member   View Comments

Article Summary

Content created by with Prof. Dieter Wolke

How can I prepare for my arrival at the hospital?

Long before you go into labour, you and your husband or partner should map out the most direct route to the hospital. Find out where to park, bearing in mind that you'll be leaving your car for at least 24 hours. And ask the hospital staff where you should enter if you arrive after hours. You may have to go in through a different entrance.

Most hospitals offer tours of the maternity ward at designated times. Many hospitals offer guided tours as part of the antenatal classes. It's a good idea to take advantage of them if you can. The more familiar you are with your surroundings, the less intimidating labour will seem.

What should I do when I get to the hospital?

You should follow the instructions you've been given, which probably include walking straight past the front desk and going directly to the maternity ward. There's usually a check-in desk at the maternity ward. A nurse will also help you get oriented and lead you to a room. Most health trusts try to provide a continuity of care, so you may already know the midwife who will look after you during labour. Otherwise you will be introduced to your midwife.

What will happen once I'm admitted?

The procedure varies from hospital to hospital, but wherever you are, a midwife will probably take the following steps to determine whether you really are in labour, and to prepare you for labour and delivery: Your midwife will ask when your contractions started, how far apart they are, whether your waters have broken, and if you've had anything to eat or drink recently. She'll want to know if you have a birth plan, if you intend to have any form of pain relief, an epidural or if you hope to deliver without any pain relief medication. Finally, she'll ask you about any other needs and preferences that you might have, and if you experienced any complications during your pregnancy.

 Most hospitals allow you to wear your own nightdress and gown.

 Your midwife will take your vital signs - pulse, blood pressure, respiration and temperature.

 Your midwife will perform an internal examination to see if your cervix has dilated.

 Your midwife will monitor the frequency and duration of your contractions, and the baby's heart rate. This is usually done with an external foetal monitor that's placed on your abdomen, and depending on your situation, it will be done at regular intervals or continuously. You'll probably need to sit or lie down for a while during this assessment. Once these steps have been taken and everything is normal, you'll probably be free to move about, or to take a bath or shower (if your waters haven't broken).

Maternity wards welcome the support of your partner, your mother or close friend during labour.

Back to top