Birth - frequently asked questions
How will my baby be monitored during labour?
During labour, your baby's heart rate will be checked regularly.
If you have had a healthy pregnancy and there are no problems at the onset of labour, your baby's heart will be listened to every 15 to 30 minutes using a small hand-held Doppler ultrasound device. This equipment can be used regardless of the position you are in, even in the shower.
If you had problems during pregnancy or if problems arise during your labour, your baby’s heart rate may be monitored continuously using a cardiotocograph (CTG).
More information: Queensland Clinical Guidelines parent information – Fetal monitoring in labour
In this guide:
- When does labour start?
- When will my waters break?
- How long does labour last?
- What is pre-labour?
- What do contractions feel like?
- How do I time contractions?
- When do I come to hospital?
- What do I bring to hospital?
- What happens when I get to hospital?
- What if my labour is progressing slowly?
- What is the best position for giving birth?
- What is an episiotomy?
- How will my baby be monitored during labour?
- What is a CTG?
- Why do I need internal (vaginal) examinations?
- Can I take my placenta home?
- How do I register my baby’s birth?