Labour and birth

Signs of Labour: 

There are several signs that your labour might be starting, these include, contractions or tightening's, a "show", when the plug of mucus from your cervix (entrance to your womb, or uterus) comes away, backache, an urge to go to the toilet, which is caused by your baby's head pressing on your bowel, your waters breaking.  

Find out more on the signs of labour.

If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, are booked for a caesarean birth, have been informed that you carry GBS (group B strep infection), your pregnancy is considered ‘high-risk’ or you are concerned about your baby’s movements please call us for advice.

Early labour, also known as the latent phase of labour:

This stage of labour can sometimes last longer than you may expect, so it is important to find ways to relax and rest before established labour starts. Here are some techniques you may wish to try:

• Keep active. You could try a gentle walk, or gently rock, bounce and rotate on a birthing ball.
• Have small, regular snacks or light meals. Cereal bars, bananas or toast are good ideas. Unless you are feeling sick, you could add eggs, jam or peanut butter.
• Keep hydrated by having small, regular sips of fluid. Clear drinks are best. Water, diluted squash, clear decaffeinated teas are all great options. Ask your birth partner to remind you to drink regularly.
• Have a warm bath or a shower.
• Have a massage – remember to ask us for advice before using aromatherapy oils.
• Take paracetamol according to the instructions on the packet.
• If possible, try to rest and sleep. If sleep is not possible, perhaps listen to mindful gentle music or meditation in a calm, darkened room.
• Encourage natural surges of oxytocin and endorphins, hormones we produce naturally in labour. Hand-expressing techniques, touch, massage and intimacy are all well-known methods to boost your levels naturally, please ask us anything if you are unsure.
• Use a TENS machine.