Labour & Childbirth

There are lots of options available to you when it comes to the birth of your child. You can use your pregnancy as time to research the different options. Talk to other mums to find out what their experiences have been, discuss the issues with your midwife and read up on lots of information. This part of the website will briefly cover some of the choices available to you.

Place of birth

There's usually a choice of location for the birth: there may be a number of maternity units in your area, or a birth centre, or you may choose to have your baby at home. To make your choice you can get information from your doctor, midwife, other mums and organisations (see Links).

  • Hospital birth: Normally, you 'book' your birth at your chosen hospital near the beginning of your pregnancy, although you can change your mind later if you want. This booking appointment can take place at your home with a midwife or at the hospital.
  • Home birth: If you're not expected to have any problems with your pregnancy or birth, there's no evidence to suggest that a planned home birth is any less safe than a hospital one. You can 'book' a home birth with your doctor or midwife.
  • Birth centre: There are a few UK birth centres, which usually aim for a home-style birth with technology on hand if necessary and a more personal level of care than can usually be relied on in a large maternity unit. Some birth centres work within the NHS, some are private. Check with your midwife for details.

Type of Delivery

The mother's health and/or baby's condition will largely determine the type of delivery. There are 2 types of birth:

  • Vaginal birth is the traditional style of delivery.
  • Caesarean birth is a surgical delivery through an abdominal incision.

Often the position of your baby or the placenta affects the course of labour. Caesarean delivery may be needed if the baby's position cannot be changed or if the placenta's position makes vaginal delivery a risk. A Caesarean also is needed if the foetus is unable to tolerate labour and is becoming low on oxygen, or if the labour fails to progress.

Birth companions

As well as the medical professionals, you can have someone with you during labour. It's often assumed your partner will be with, but this doesn't have to be the case.

If you don't have a partner, or not one that's around, or if you or they prefer not to be there, you can have someone else. Or you could have your partner plus someone else such as a close friend or a relative.

You need to feel safe and comfortable with the people you want with you. Remember that all parts of your body may be on display.

What does Labour feel like?

Signs of labour include:

  • Irregular contractions of the uterus (which feel a bit like strong period pains) lasting more than 40 seconds and occurring at least three times every ten minutes.
  • Pink or brown-tinged discharge from the plug that keeps the cervix closed. This is often called a 'show'. Some women don't notice the show, so just because you haven't seen yours, it doesn't mean you aren't in labour.
  • Your waters have broken. This means the sac, which contains your baby and the amniotic fluid, has started to leak. It can happen suddenly, but is more likely to be a gradual trickle. Again, you may not notice your waters going at all. There's a risk of infection if your waters break too soon before labour. Call the hospital if you're concerned.

If you have decided to have the baby in the hospital you will be told to leave for the hospital when contractions are 5 to 10 minutes apart or if there is bleeding or leaking of amniotic fluid.

Some women experience quite powerful Braxton Hicks 'practice' contractions. It's not uncommon to think this is real labour. If you're in doubt, though, call the labour ward and speak to a midwife.

Pain Relief

Giving birth can be painful, but does not mean the pain is always unbearable or even continuous. How you feel about the pain and cope with it will depend on your pain threshold, your personality, how supported you feel, your anxiety levels, whether you're under stress and so on.

If you decide beforehand that you might want pain relief, check out what's on offer in advance. Find out about what side effects there are, if any, and how effective a particular method is. Talk about your options with a midwife or doctor, and discuss it with other mums at your antenatal class.

After Birth

You and your baby may feel a bit bruised and sore afterwards. Some women will also need stitches to repair the perineum (the skin between the vagina and the anus) which may have been torn or cut s your baby is born. The stitches dissolve as you heal. Take your time and listen to advice from your midwife and other mums.

Links

You will find more detailed in formation on childbirth at the links below.