Pregnancy Questions

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Labour & Birth

Most asked questions

What are Braxton Hicks?

Braxton Hicks are contractions, which tone the uterus but do not dilate (open) the cervix. They occur throughout your pregnancy but you may not feel them until the second trimester and may usually feel more in the third trimester.

Braxton Hicks contractions or tightening are referred to as a tight feeling in your abdomen, which may be quite strong and uncomfortable and are often called ‘false labour;. These contractions can be distinguished from real labour; as they may disappear with a change of position, taking away gravity (side lying) or activity such as a warm bath or shower. They will not last long or develop a regular pattern, but they come and go sporadically. There is a lot of physicality and sensation related to normal growth and change in pregnancy. However, if you are unsure about what you are feeling it is best to discuss this with your care provider.

All uterine activity (tightenings and contractions) originate from the muscles at the top of the uterus (the fundus). Where women ‘feel’ this activity is largely influenced by what the muscles are trying to achieve, i.e contractions are often felt low and Braxton Hicks a general tightening all over (from top to bottom) the uterus.

How can the birth partner help during the birth?

A birthing partner may be your partner, a family member or a friend. Who-ever the trusted person is that you would like with you during labour and birth they can support you emotionally, physically and act as an advocate for you. It is a great idea to discuss prior to labour what your birth plan is and any specific requests that you would like. It is also a good idea that your birthing partner goes with you to antenatal classes and does some research of their own into labour and birth so that they have an understanding of the journey.

Physically, partners can guide you through breathing and relaxation techniques. As well as this they may be able to support you with massage, get the birthing pool filled and heat up heat bags. Encouraging you to stay hydrated and reminding you to go to the bathroom is also really helpful.

Birthing partners can give you reassurance and encouragement and be that familiar voice. Being an advocate is a helpful role in a birth partner as often while a woman is in labour she may find it difficult to process information and make decisions. Writing down your birth preferences, hopes and fears before labour can be a great way of starting this conversation with your partner/support person and caregivers.

Birthing partners should consider their limits- if you feel faint at the sight of blood, let the doctor or midwife know, sit down if you feel unwell. You may be asked if you would like to cut the umbilical cord or catch the baby- be proactive in telling your caregiver if you do or do not want to take part in these things.

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What is Pitocin?

Pitocin is a synthetic hormone that mimics your body’s natural contracting hormone called Oxytocin. It is given through an intravenous infusion (drip) in your arm and stimulates contractions of the uterus. The infusion is slowly increased until you are having strong regular contractions. The infusion can be turned up, down or off in response to the effect it is having on your body and your baby. It is also common for the infusion to continue until after your baby is born.  Once Pitocin has started, your baby’s heart rate will be monitored throughout labour using a Fetal Monitor machine. You may still able to mobilise around your room even with a Pitocin infusion and CTG monitoring. 

What does it mean to 'break my water'?

If your waters have not broken, artificial rupture of membranes may be recommended. This is when your doctor or midwife puts a small hole in the bag of membranes or ‘waters' around your baby. This is done with a small instrument during a vaginal examination and can only occur once your cervix is open. Once your membranes have ruptured, contractions may start naturally, if not, a syntocinon infusion will likely be started.

How does a balloon induction work?

This catheter is a thin tube which is placed inside your cervix and a small balloon inflated to place pressure on your cervix. This pressure should soften and open your cervix. This catheter will stay in place for several hours until, either it falls out (indicating your cervix has opened) or until you are re-examined.

What is a gel induction (prostaglandins)?

Prostaglandin is a naturally occurring hormone that prepares your body for labour. A synthetic version has been developed to mimic your body’s natural hormone. This hormone is placed in your vagina either as a gel or pessary (like a tampon) that works to ripen your cervix. Once the prostaglandin has been inserted, your baby will be monitored and you will likely need to stay in hospital (your doctor or midwife will outline the reasons for this).

Occasionally you may need more than one dose of prostaglandin. If the prostaglandin gel is effective, your cervix will begin to soften and open and the next steps of your induction can start (for a small number of women, prostaglandin administration is enough to stimulate labour). Some women may have their membranes ruptured (‘waters broken’) but this may happen naturally. Some women may require syntocinon to stimulate contractions.

Prostaglandins are not suitable for all women, for example, if you have had a previous caesarean section or a reaction to prostaglandins in the past. Your doctor may therefore recommend a balloon catheter to ripen your cervix and given further instruction based on your situation.
 

What type of induction am I likely to have?

There are different ways to induce labour. To determine the best method of induction for you, your doctor or midwife will ask to do a vaginal examination to check how ready your cervix is.

Based on this examination, they will recommend one of the following methods of induction: 
·    a hormone called Prostaglandin (administered vaginally)
·    balloon catheter (inserted vaginally)
·    artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) (breaking your ‘waters’)
·    a hormone called Pitocin (Intravenous administration)

The process of induction will vary for everyone. It may require one or a combination of methods.