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Labour & birth

What to expect, and what to do

By the time you reach this page, the focus has shifted from “am I really pregnant” to “am I really in labour.” This section is your reference for the day itself: how labour starts, what happens at each stage, your options for pain relief, and what specific procedures (such as caesarean or epidural) involve.

Every birth is different. Knowing what is normal, what your options are, and when to ring us, gives you the best foundation for whatever the day brings.

What we'll do together

When you arrive in the Labour and Birthing Suite, your midwife will assess you. This includes asking how labour has been so far, checking your contractions, listening to your baby’s heart rate, and (if appropriate) an examination to see how dilated your cervix is.

From there, depending on what stage of labour you are in, you may:

  • Stay on the ward in active labour, with your birth partner.
  • Be transferred to a labour room with the option of a pool, ball, mat, and freedom to move.
  • Have continuous monitoring of your baby’s heart rate if it is clinically advised.
  • Be offered the pain relief options you prefer, as labour progresses.
  • Have the doctors involved if a complication arises, or if you would like a discussion about options.

Throughout, your midwife is with you. You and your birth partner are at the centre of every decision.

Explore the planning pages

Signs of Labour

The three classic signs of labour: a show, contractions, and your waters breaking. How to tell what’s what.

Stages of Labour

The three stages of labour, what happens at each, and roughly how long each one lasts.

Pain Relief in Labour

Your full range of options, from breathing and water through to gas and air and epidural.

What is Caesarean Section?

Planned and emergency caesareans, anaesthetic options, and a step-by-step view of what to expect.

Third Degree Tear

What it is, how it’s repaired, and how we support your recovery with follow-up physio and clinic.