It is very important that you ring the Delivery Suite before leaving home. The Midwife will ask you some questions about your labour and answer any questions you may have.
Contact Numbers:
Delivery Suite, Royal Hospital for Women – 0439 869 035 or 02 9382 6100
Delivery Suite, Prince of Wales Private –02 9650 4444
Women expecting their first baby
If you are close to your due date (37 weeks or more), we recommend that you come to hospital
- When you are having regular labour pains, which are becoming stronger, closer together and are lasting 60 seconds, from the beginning to end. At this time most women will find the labour pains are about 3 to 5 minutes apart (start of one contraction to the start of the next);
Or
- When your ‘waters break’– this is when the bag of waters around the baby breaks. It might be a slight trickle or a sudden gush followed by a constant flow of fluid. When this happens it is a good idea to put a pad on, so we can check the colour/odour of the water when you arrive
Or
- If you have any bright bleeding, that is heavier than a normal ‘show’
If you are less than 37 weeks we advise that you come to the hospital as soon as you have any signs of labour, i.e. labour pains, broken waters or vaginal bleeding.
Women who have given birth before
- All of the above applies except that you are advised to come to hospital when your contractions are regular, painful and about 5-7 minutes apart.
Other reasons to call the hospital at any time during your pregnancy:
- If you have a constant, strong, abdominal pain, lasting more than 60 minutes
- If you notice a reduction in your baby’s movements ie: your baby is moving less than usual, or there is not a “window” of two hours each day, during which your baby moves at least ten times
- If you have symptoms of high blood pressure ie: headaches, visual disturbances or tummy pain
- If you have a constant itch all over your body, particularly on your hands and feet
- If you have heavy, fresh, vaginal bleeding
Baby Emergencies:
You may wish to learn Baby and Child CPR and First Aid with a 6 hour course:
Website: www.cprkids.com.au or email: hello@cprkids.com.au or Tel: 1300 543 727
Sydney Children’s Hospital also provides excellent emergency care for babies.
Emergency First Aid for Baby: www.littlelives.com.au