Preparation for labour and birth

Signs of labour

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Welcome and Housekeeping

Today’s learnings:

You will understand the advantages of physical and emotional preparation for labour and birth

You may have an increased feeling of control over preparing for labour

You will understand what you need prior to labour and what a birth plan is

You will know the signs of labour and when to contact the birth hospital

You will be able to identify abnormal signs of pregnancy

You will meet and network with other parents

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Please introduce yourself, how many

weeks pregnant are you and how are

you feeling?

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Helpful activities:

• Choose a support person

• Discuss early labour

• Yoga and relaxation exercises

• Antenatal classes

• Birth hospital contact details at hand and

your hand held record

• Pack your bag!

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Preparing Emotionally

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Preparing Physically

VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RNtHDnQb6M

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Pelvic Tilt

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Birth Plan-

• Who do you want to be there?

• What kind of support do you want?

• Would you like it to be as ‘natural’ as possible?

• Do you want to be active throughout your labour?

• Would you like pain relief to be readily available?

• Do you have a preference for one pain relief over another?

• Would you like to labour in water (a bath or a shower)?

• Would you like to try birthing in water?

• How would you feel if you require medical intervention

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

What to bring to hospital Valuables Do not bring valuables. The hospital will not accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any property left in the ward. You may like to bring a small amount of money for telephone calls, newspapers or magazines etc. For you: Current medications Medicare card and/or private health insurance membership information Health Care Card (if you have one) Loose, comfortable day clothes Nighties or pyjamas, dressing gown and slippers Nursing bras and one box of disposable breast pads Maternity (large) sanitary pads – five packets Toiletries including soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb etc. For your baby: Nappies (newborn size) for use during your stay in hospital Baby soap A packet of cotton wool balls and cotton buds Baby wipes - if you wish to use them Clothes and a blanket to take the baby home in A baby car seat/capsule of your choice must be fitted into your car before taking the baby home Formula – if you intend to bottle feed your baby

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Signs of Labour

• ‘The Show’ – bloody mucus

• ‘Rupture of Membranes’ is the breaking of the bag of fluid

that surrounds baby

• Regular contractions

If you live more than an hour away from your birth hospital

make sure you have a clear plan made for when you are going

to travel

If you are unsure whether to stay home or go to the hospital,

ring and speak to one of the midwives. They will ask you a

number of questions and help you decide what to do.

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Coping at the beginning of labour

• You can be up and moving about if you feel like

it

• You can drink fluids to help keep your energy

levels up

• You can also snack

• As the contractions get stronger and more

painful, you can try relaxation and breathing

exercises

• Your support person can rub your back as it

may help relieve the pain

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Visualisation

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Contact the hospital if these signs appear during

pregnancy

• Vaginal Bleeding- it is not usual to bleed

vaginally during pregnancy. Save any pads or

blood stained clothing.

• Waters Break- you may feel a sudden gush or

just a small trickle. Save any pads or wet linen

or clothing.

• Notable Change in Your Baby’s Activity- requires

assessment.

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Contact the hospital if these signs appear any other time

• Any persistent abdominal pain - Especially if this is associated with

bleeding.

• Symptoms of high blood pressure

• If any of the following occur please phone the hospital and talk to a

midwife: Significant and sudden swelling of your face and hands,

Headaches, Blurred vision, Upper abdominal pain

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Links and Resources

www.healthywa.gov.au

www.kidspot.com.au/birth/labour/preparing-for-labour

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Useful apps and reading

sprout app – endorsed by the Royal Australian

and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and

Gynaecologists

Better Health Channel app

Offspring magazine – FREE

and produced in WA

Preparation for labour and birth, signs of labour

Thank You

The next session will be covering Labour and birth

Questions?