How to time contractions
From the time the contraction begins to hurt until the pain diminishes is the length
of the contraction. From the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of
the next indicates the time between contractions. Contractions usually last no
longer than 60 to 90 seconds. Contractions commence sporadically, increasing
as labour progress.
Please call the maternity unit on 03 9210 3111 when you have decided to come
to the Hospital. On arrival you will be assessed by the midwife, who will notify
your doctor of your admission and stage of labour. If you are unsure whether you
are in labour or need any advice, please ring the maternity unit. Please keep in
phone contact with the midwife throughout your early labour. If you have ruptured
membranes or experience bleeding from the vagina, please wear a pad so that the
midwives can make an assessment. Notify the midwife if the fluid is not clear.
Monitoring during labour
During your antenatal period or prior to admission to hospital you will be asked to
confirm you have read and understood the pre admission patient information. The
purpose of this information is to make sure there is clear understanding by you and
your partner as to the safety aspects of birth for you and your baby. It is important
to us that both you and your baby are kept safe and well during labour.
There will be a thorough assessment of you and your baby on arrival to the Birthing
Suites. The baby’s heart beat and your contractions will be monitored electronically
using a machine called a cardiotocograph (CTG). The monitor is strapped to your
abdomen by a belt or you may be placed on a mobile telemetry unit so you can
walk around.
At all Ramsay Health Care maternity facilities, a CTG will be conducted on admission
to make sure your baby’s heart rate is normal and then intermittently during labour
unless there is an indication for continual CTG monitoring.
Birth plans
A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour. If you
decide to create a birth plan, you are encouraged to write down your preferences so
your wishes can be clearly communicated to all staff caring for you in labour.
It is important that you discuss your plan with your obstetrician and maternity staff
so your wishes can be discussed and any concerns for safety raised with you. What
might be safe and practical for one mother may not be for another depending on
factors such as your medical history, your overall health during your pregnancy,
whether there is more than one baby to deliver and how the baby is positioned.
When to contact
the Maternity Unit
• When you no longer feel
comfortable at home and
need reassurance
• When your waters break,
especially if green discolouration
of the amniotic fluid is present.
Please report this immediately
to the midwife
• If you have any vaginal bleeding
• If you require pain relief
• If you are concerned with the
movement of your baby
• If you feel unwell
• If you feel you need support at
any time throughout labour. The
Birthing Suite midwife will advise
you when to come in to Hospital.
Policy concerning
use of film equipment
in Obstetrics
Ramsay Health Care (“RHC”)
recognises that unique and
special moments arise in
hospitals that patients, families
and friends may wish to capture
on film. RHC needs to ensure that
patient safety, clinical teamwork,
the privacy of other patients’, staff
members and medical personal
are not compromised.
Devices that record both film
and sound are not allowed in the
following clinical areas:
• Operating suite
• Birth suites
• Special care nurseries.
Single shot devices that do not
record sound are permissible by
the agreement of the care team
members present at the time.
Film and sound may be recorded
in the privacy of a patient’s own
rooms, provided the privacy of
other patients and staff members
are not compromised.
Mitcham Maternity Childbirth and Parent Education 11
Something to Remember