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.

More questions

What is an induction of labour?

When a labour starts on its own, it is called spontaneous labour. A labour that is started with medical treatment is called ‘induced’ labour. An induction of labour may be recommended when you or your baby will benefit from birth being brought on sooner rather than waiting for labour to start spontaneously.

The most common reasons for induction are:

  • you have a specific health concern, such as high blood pressure or unstable diabetes
  • your baby is overdue (more than 41 weeks)
  • there are concerns with your baby (less movements, low fluid, not growing well) your waters have already broken but your contractions have not started
Is delayed cord clamping recommended?

There is evidence of the beneficial effects of delayed cord clamping for preterm and term infants and promotion of delayed cord clamping by the WHO, the SOGC, and the American College of Obstetrics & Gynaecologists has led to widespread adoption of this practice. Delayed cord clamping in term infants for 60 seconds has been shown to increase placental transfusion, increase hemoglobin concentration, increase iron stores by up to 6 months of age, increase serum ferritin, decrease the risk of early neonatal anemia and need for transfusion, and increase the risk of jaundice. The WHO and the SOGC recommend that cord clamping should be delayed by 60 seconds in babies who do not require resuscitation, irrespective of the mode of delivery.

Group B Streptococcus

Group B streptococcus (‘GBS, or ‘group B strep’) is a type of bacteria that lives in our bodies. GBS is very common and is part of the normal bacteria that we carry in our intestines, bowels and vagina. If you happen to carry GBS while you are healthy it does not require any treatment, nor is it sexually transmitted. Women are asymptomatic, that is they do not have any symptoms of GBS

Approximately 1 in 5 women have the GBS bacteria in their vagina around the time of giving birth. It is usually treated by giving antibiotics when you are in labour or break your bag of waters. If GBS is present in the vagina at the time of labour, there is a very small chance that it may be passed to the baby. Most babies who come in contact with the GBS bacteria remain well, but some babies may get very sick and need special care nursery admission and intravenous antibiotics in the first few days of life.

Your caregivers will be very familiar with how to screen and monitor a baby for GBS symptoms. Without treatment, about 1 in 200 women with GBS will have a baby that develops a severe infection. As with all questions you may have pertaining to your pregnancy and birth it is important to discuss these topics with your doctor or midwife as each individual circumstances may vary. If you or your caregiver decide a swab for GBS is appropriate for you, It is likely to be done late in your pregnancy, it is simple and can be collected by the pregnant woman herself. Your care provider will explain the test in full.

What are the risks associated with VBAC?

‘Vaginal Birth after Caesarean’ or VBAC - is the successful vaginal birth following labour in a woman who has had a prior caesarean section delivery. 

There are potential risks involved to both mother and baby with a VBAC, including uterine scar rupture (1-2 in 200 women) which may result in serious adverse outcomes. This risk along with other potential risks and benefits of VBAC will depend on your individual circumstances. The doctor or midwife caring for you and your baby will provide you with the relevant and accurate information for you to make an agreed management plan for your pregnancy and birth. It is important to have open discussions with your maternity care provider early about your hopes for your birth.

When discussing risk factors for your current pregnancy and birth they will be able to help you understand how these risks apply to your individual circumstances. The reason for your previous c-section, how many baby’s you have had and your current baby’s position are all likely to influence decision making. Attempting a VBAC is successful (birthing vaginally) in about 2 out of 3 women.