Labour & Delivery
Most women go into labour around 37 - 41+ weeks of pregnancy. Around this time, it is normal to feel tired, heavy, have backache, a pressure sensation, pass urine frequently and have an increased vaginal discharge.
It is important for you to rest and prepare for your baby's birth, have your hospital bag packed, including your hospital chart, if you carry it. There is also workbook to help you to prepare for post birth.
You will present to the Assessment Unit (on the 2nd floor beside the Delivery Suite). Mothers presenting with symptoms of labour are assessed in this unit by a team of midwives. Mothers who are not in labour may be discharged home once their assessment is normal.
How will I know if I'm in labour?
There are 3 main signs:
The most obvious sign of labour is contractions that are increasing in frequency and duration.
The contractions may be associated with a 'show', which is a sticky, blood stained mucus discharge. This means the cervix is softening and thinning out in preparation for labour
The 'breaking of the waters', that is the leakage of fluid vaginally. This usually means that baby's head is moving down and your body is trying to start labour
When should I come to hospital?
If you think your waters have broken
If you have vaginal bleeding, other than a 'show'
If your baby is not moving as much as usual
If you think you are in labour.
If you have symptoms or tested positive for COVID - 19 please call the hospital before attending.
Our Delivery Suites
The Coombe prides itself on its state-of-the-art Delivery Suite, with its individual, spacious en-suite birthing rooms and the availability of birthing aides such as the birthing stool, birthing balls, bean bags and floor mats. Women are encouraged to mobilise and adopt up-right positions. For those needing continuous fetal monitoring, telemetry is available to permit mobility. Rooms have dim lighting and salt lamps provide a relaxing atmosphere.
Women are advised that they may bring in their own music, hypnobirthing CDs, cold drinks and light snacks.
As the situation with COVID-19 is evolving, we continue to review all measures in place. Our ultimate aim is the safety of mothers, babies and our staff. Please visit the COVID - 19 section of our website for the most up to date information.
Water Immersion Facilities at The Coombe
We have one Birthing Pool available on the Delivery Suite at The Coombe Hospital. The pool can be used by women who are healthy, with straightforward pregnancies as an option for pain relief. If you think that you would like to use the pool during labour please discuss it with your midwife or doctor and visit the birthing pool section of our website, here you will find further information, research and advice.