Overview
Labour
The last weeks of pregnancy
Contractions and how to time them
Stages of labour
How to recognise the start of labour
When to contact the maternity unit
When to come to hospital, including special reasons for coming in
The birth journey, including:
• Onset of labour
• Established labour
• Transition
• Second stage
• Birth of the placenta, including the role of oxytocin
Immediate care of the mother and baby following delivery
Birth partner’s role during the birth journey
Positions in labour
The last weeks of your pregnancy
In the last few weeks before the birth, the baby’s head engages into the pelvis ready
for labour. Braxton Hicks contractions may become stronger and more frequent.
You may experience an increase in vaginal mucous. Usually in the last days/week
the cervix softens and ripens ready for labour.
Contractions
In labour, the muscles of the uterus contract. Contractions start in the upper segment
of the uterus and spread downwards to the lower segment. The upper part of
the uterus pulls on the lower part causing thinning and opening of the cervix. The
contractions push the baby down and out of the uterus and vaginal canal. Effective
contractions occur with rhythmic regularity. The contractions become longer, stronger
and closer together as labour progresses.
Please call the
maternity unit on
03 9210 3111 when
you have decided
to come into the
Hospital.
10 Mitcham Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education