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You`ve just arrived at the Birthing Unit, you`re pretty sure you`re in labour but let`s
find out for sure. To find out what`s going on with you and your
baby, a registered nurse will, check the intensity and duration of your contractions, take your
vital signs and listen to your baby`s heartbeat. She may also decide to check your *** to
assess how your labour is progressing. When their accessed, we record their vital signs,
ask them questions like how close are your contractions, when did they start, did you
water break, are you bleeding, is your baby moving, those are all questions that are very
important to establish if they're ready to be admitted and they are actually in active
labour. If you're not in active labour you may be encouraged to remain at the hospital
for a few hours to see if your contractions intensify. Or it may be suggested that you
head home and labour there until your contractions are more regular or a little stronger. Don't
be embarrassed if this happens to you, by the way, it happens a lot. We like to admit
only active labour, when you come in too early it's really difficult because it's a long
long time. Most women that do their early part of labour at home where they can eat,
rest, take a shower if they want, then their time here at the hospital is a lot shorter.
If you are in active labour you will be settled into a birthing room where you will labour,
give birth to your baby and then spend a short time getting to know your baby before moving
onto the Mother and Baby Unit. Baby stays with you all the time if baby is well. Years
ago they used to be wisked off to the nursery so they could be bathed and weighted, we do
everything in the room. We also encourage skin to skin which is really nice. Babies
are placed right on mommy's belly right after their born and we like to keep them there
for at least an hour. If your labour is being induced your healthcare provider will provide
you with detailed instructions on what to expect when you arrive at the Birthing Unit.