I caught up with my best friend Sophie – who works at Southend Hospital as a midwife – to ask some of those questions that you may want to know the answers to after finding out you’re having a baby.

Sophie is a band 6 midwife who works on the antenatal ward at Southend Hospital. She qualified in 2013 at The City University of London. She then went on to work at Newham Hospital gaining lots of experience at Barking Birthing Centre, being a community midwife and then moving onto home births.

In 2017, Sophie moved to Southend Hospital, working mostly on the low risk wards. I was lucky enough to have her look after me and both of my babies on the days they were born!

The questions I asked Sophie were some of the most common ones that come up about Southend maternity unit and all things pre- and post-natal.

What do I need to know and keep an eye on with my baby’s movements?

You will start to get regular movements from around 20 weeks and from here you will get to know your baby’s “routine”. If this changes or you are concerned at any point with baby’s movement then call the unit. Please don’t wait, do not be afraid to call.

Should I write a birthing plan?

We always advise you to write a birthing plan but a midwife will ask you all the questions on attendance. It’s a great way to help ensure your birthing partner knows your wishes and plans too.

When should I come into hospital once in labour?

It’s best to call for advice for when you should attend. We say when you’re having 3-4 contractions in 10 minutes each lasting 60 seconds. Contractions should be getting stronger, longer, uniformed, and regular.

Please call the unit to be invited in if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding or if you experience reduced movements.

Where do I go when I arrive at Southend hospital?

Level 2 of the Cardigan Building (turn left at the lifts or right at the stairs).

Once inside the unit, turn right to Margaret Broom 1 for scans and any issues or turn left to the central delivery suite if in labour.

What does induction of labour mean? What does it entail?

Induction of labour is bringing on labour artificially.

You will be admitted and reviewed by the doctor to see which method is right for you.

There are a few methods of induction:

• Mechanical – using Dilapan rods – these rods are inserted into the cervix where they absorb fluid from the cervical tissue and slowly push it open. The aim is to get the cervix to open so that we can break your waters with a hook. You will then be transferred to the labour ward to have the hormone drip to bring on contractions and commence active labour.
• Hormonal – using a Propess tablet which is a hormone pessary on a ribbon. This is placed into the vagina, behind the cervix. The hormones release onto the cervix to help dilate it to 2cm so that we can break your waters and then commence onto the hormone drip.
• Hormonal – using Prostin gel. This is a hormone tablet in liquid form and works in the same way as the pessary. The gel is squirted onto the cervix to ripen and dilate to 2cm.

The hormone methods will give you cramping and mild contractions where as the rods do not.

What painkillers will be available to me during labour?

For the latent phase of labour (early stages) we can offer:

• Paracetamol
• Co-dydramol
• Oramorph

When you are 4cm + in active labour we can offer:

• Gas and Air
• Pethadine
• Tens machine (these can be rented from the hospital for home use)
• Epidural

Will the community midwife be at my birth?

No, your community midwife will visit you and baby the day after birth.

Can I use a birthing pool? How many are there at Southend?

If you are considered as low risk and pools are available this will be an option for you. There are two built-in pools and one blow-up pool at Southend.

How much time do you allow for the delivery of the placenta? When do you cut the cord and can my birthing partner cut it?

We normally leave the placenta for around 30 minutes. If after an hour there is still no delivery, a doctor will be called to review.

The cutting of the cord is done once it stops pulsating, providing the baby is in a good condition.

Yes, your birthing partner can cut the cord if it doesn’t need to be cut by a midwife. Your birthing partner will always be asked if they would like to cut it.

What checks will you carry out on my baby after birth?

Your baby will receive a newborn check a couple of hours after birth by a midwife. This is a top-to-toe check, looking for any cuts or bruises, checking baby has all fingers and toes etc.

Your baby will then have a more in-depth check by a paediatrican or a newborn checked midwife. They will look in more detail at all aspects of the body for example the heart and the eyes.

What do you inject into baby after they are born?

Vitamin K which is a supplement to prevent internal bleeding known as hemolytic disease.

How long will I need to stay in hospital for after birth?

This will be determined on your delivery and will be discussed with you after birth.

There will be a minimum stay of 6 hours for a straight-forward vaginal birth but all births are different and your midwife will discuss this with you.

Can my partner stay overnight with me?

If you stay on the labour ward after birth and are waiting for newborn checks and discharge, then your partner can stay. If you are transferred over to MB2 (the post-natal ward) they can only stay until 9pm.

Who will help me with feeding my baby?

A midwife, HCA (Health Care Assistant) or Nursery Nurse will help you with feeding your baby. They can also contact the feeding specialists to come and see you for extra help if needed.

A final note

Remember to always contact your midwife or the unit if you have any concerns. We are always available to help or give you advice. Aways remember, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you are experiencing reduced movements.