Birth - frequently asked questions

What happens when I get to hospital?

When you arrive, a midwife will talk about what is happening to you and discuss your birth preferences.

The midwife will:

• ensure you have an identification band on your wrist
• check your temperature, pulse and blood pressure
• check the baby’s position by feeling your abdomen
• listen to the baby’s heart rate
• time your contractions
• with your consent, may do an internal (vaginal) examination to see how much your cervix has opened, and to check the baby’s position.

In this guide:

1. When does labour start?
2. When will my waters break?
3. How long does labour last?
4. What is pre-labour?
5. What do contractions feel like?
6. How do I time contractions?
7. When do I come to hospital?
8. What do I bring to hospital?
9. What happens when I get to hospital?
10. What if my labour is progressing slowly?
11. What is the best position for giving birth?
12. What is an episiotomy?
13. How will my baby be monitored during labour?
14. What is a CTG?
15. Why do I need internal (vaginal) examinations?
16. Can I take my placenta home?
17. How do I register my baby’s birth?

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