Preparing for Birth

If you’re attending group pregnancy classes, you’ll already know how useful they can be for asking questions, meeting other families and building a support network for after the birth. But if you haven’t had time, or simply want a refresher, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident for labour and beyond.

When Should I Go to Hospital?

Labour often progresses best where you feel most relaxed—whether that’s at home or in the hospital. Some people find they relax the minute they walk through the hospital doors, while others are more comfortable at home for as long as possible.

If you’re unsure, here are some helpful pointers:

• You can go to hospital at any time if you feel you need support.
• As a general guide, head in when you’re having:
  • 2 contractions every 10 minutes
  • Each lasting around 1 minute
  • And they’ve been getting stronger and closer together for the last 2 hours
• Traffic matters! If it’s rush hour, it might be better to wait a little longer at home than risk a long, stressful car journey.
• Call the labour ward at any point for advice. Your midwives will be happy to talk things through.
• Make sure your birth partner has the labour ward number saved in their phone.

When to Contact the Hospital

You should contact the hospital right away if:

• You have a ‘show’ (your mucus plug comes away). If you see fresh blood, call immediately.
• Your waters break, even if it’s just a trickle. This means baby’s protective sac is open and we need to monitor what happens next.
• Contractions start, even if they’re manageable and you can still talk through them. Midwives can help you decide when to come in.
• You’re worried about anything, especially a change in baby’s usual movements. These are a good sign of how baby is doing, so always get in touch if something feels different.

Helping Baby Into a Good Position

Your baby is doing a gentle corkscrew movement down through your pelvis, so your body position can help them along.

• Sit upright with your head forward, not leaning back. Deep chairs with feet up can encourage baby into a back-to-back position, which can make labour longer.
• Try lying on your left side with a pillow between your knees.
• When baby is active, spend time on all fours gently wiggling your pelvis, this helps baby move into an ideal position for birth.

The Stages of Labour

First Stage: Cervix Opens from 0cm to 10cm

Early Labour

• Contractions are irregular (5–30 minutes apart)
• Each lasts 20–40 seconds
• This phase can take many hours

Active Labour

• Contractions become more regular (3–5 minutes apart)
• Each lasts 40–60 seconds
• Average duration: 6–12 hours

Transition

• Contractions are strong and frequent (2–3 minutes apart)
• Each lasts 50–90 seconds
• Average duration: 1–2 hours

Second Stage: Birth of Baby

This is when your baby is born.

• Things often slow down at first—rest and be thankful for what you’ve achieved so far.
• Try for 3 pushes per contraction. Your midwife will guide you.
• Keep changing positions regularly, breathe deeply and let your midwife support you through each push.

Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta

You can choose how this happens:

• Physiological (natural) – allowing the placenta to come away on its own
• Active – using an injection to speed up delivery and reduce bleeding

Other Birth Choices to Think About

Vitamin K for Baby

• This helps with clotting after birth. You can choose:
• An injection in baby’s leg or three oral doses (at birth, one week, and one month)

Delayed Cord Clamping

Would you like the cord to be clamped and cut immediately, or wait to allow more blood to transfer to baby?

Stem Cell Collection

If you're considering saving stem cells, you’ll need to plan this in advance.

Things That Help Labour Progress

• Active birth and movement
• TENS machine
• Exercise ball
• Massage and breathing techniques
• Distractions and music
• Water (birthing pool or shower)
• Support from your birth partner
• Feeling safe, calm and cared for

Things That Can Slow Labour

• Stress and anxiety
• Feeling unsafe or fearful
• Bright lights or too many people
• Pain without relief
• Not eating or drinking enough
• A tense environment

Birth partners - you play a key role in creating a calm and reassuring space. Know your partner’s birth preferences and be ready to advocate for them if needed.

Pain Relief Options

• Entonox (gas and air)
• Pethidine or morphine injections
• Epidural or spinal anaesthesia

Your midwife or doctor will talk you through the pros and cons of each option during labour.

Induction of Labour (IOL)

If your care team recommends an induction, they’ll discuss:

• The reasons why
• The methods (such as sweeps, pessaries, or breaking waters)
• Any implications or next steps if plans change

If Plans Change: Emergency Caesarean (LSCS)

Sometimes birth doesn’t go as expected. If a caesarean becomes necessary, your team will explain why and what to expect. You’re still birthing your baby, and you deserve care, respect and support throughout.

The First Hours & Days After Birth

• Skin-to-skin with baby
• Midwifery care on the postnatal ward
• Pain relief and medication
• Bladder and bowel support
• Gentle movement and physiotherapy
• Mummy checks and baby checks
• Partner support and visitor plans
• Getting ready to go home—don’t forget the car seat!

What to Pack for Hospital

For Mum:

• Comfy nightwear, dressing gown and slippers
• Cool, loose clothes (breastfeeding-friendly if needed)
• Nipple cream and breast pads
• Large, comfortable underwear
• Toiletries
• Your own pillow
• Music playlist
• Phone, charger, camera

For Partner:

• Change of clothes
• Snacks and drinks
• Phone and charger
• List of people to update

For Baby:

• Baby clothes (vests, sleepsuits, hats)
• Nappies, cotton wool, and other essentials
• A cosy going-home outfit
• Approved baby car seat

Feeling Informed and Empowered

This guide is here to help you feel more prepared, but it’s okay if you still have questions. Ask your midwife or doctor to fill in any gaps or discuss anything you’re unsure about.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, trust your instincts, and remember there’s plenty of support available when you need it. This is your birth of YOUR baby.