Variations in labour
Sometimes variations or problems will occur during your pregnancy, others may occur during labour and may not be anticipated.
In emergency situations this can mean your preferences may not be able to be followed exactly. Wherever possible, your doctor or midwife will try to discuss the reasons for this with you and help your understanding of events.
Some of the variations in labour are discussed below:
Induction of Labour
Most labours start naturally between 37 and 42 weeks gestation. Labour is said to be induced when it is started artificially.
The most common reasons are:
- you have a specific health condition (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
- your baby is not growing well or shows some signs of distress
- the pregnancy has gone longer than 41 weeks (prolonged pregnancy)
- your waters have already broken but the contractions of labour have not started naturally
An induction is recommended when it is considered that your health and/or your baby’s health will benefit. More information about induction of labour can be found on the RANZCOG website under Patient Information.
Augmentation
Augmentation may be required when labour starts naturally, but the contractions are not regular or strong enough to dilate the cervix and progress labour as anticipated. You may need to have your waters broken or intravenous fluid (a drip) with an artificial hormone to increase your contractions.
Instrumental Birth
Instrumental birth is when forceps or ventouse (vacuum cup) are used to assist a vaginal birth when either you or your baby require help.
Caesarean Section
Caesarean section is an operation where the baby is born through a cut in your abdomen. It may be planned before labour starts (elective) or at any time during labour (emergency) when a vaginal birth is not possible or the risks associated with a vaginal birth are greater.
Breech
Breech position is when the baby’s feet or buttocks are at the opening of the birth canal.
Fetal Distress
Fetal distress is when a baby shows signs that it is not coping with labour. This might be through fluctuations in the baby’s heart rate, a pronounced slowing of the baby’s heart rate, or the presence of meconium in the amniotic luid. These warning signs mean closer monitoring is required and if they do not resolve may lead to hastening the birth by caesarean section, forceps or ventouse assistance, depending on the stage of labour and condition of the baby.
When should I call the hospital?
You should call the hospital when:
- your waters break
- you have bright blood loss
- you are concerned about your baby’s movements
- your contractions are regular and five minutes apart
- you feel ready to come into hospital
There are a number of factors that affect labour including the size of your baby, the length of your pregnancy, the strength of your contractions and whether it is your first baby.
Although it is very difficult to think beyond the labour and birth of your baby, remember that a normal labour will occur for less than a day. Have confidence in yourself and do what you can to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the big day.
You will then be able to communicate effectively with your doctor
and midwife and make informed choices about your care; develop a range of strategies to work with your birthing body for an easier and efficient labour and have the skills and supports available for you to meet the challenges of parenting a newborn baby and the many days and years that follow.