When complications occur

Your birth is a special time in your life but sometimes it does not always go exactly to plan. Medical interventions are sometimes needed to help with the birth of your baby.

If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant and experiencing problems, please contact your own midwife, GP or present to the emergency department. If you are over 20 weeks pregnant phone your midwife or the birthsuite on 5433 8670.

Inducing your labour

Your doctor or midwife will advise you if your labour needs to be induced. Timeframes for delivery vary after induction. Most women deliver within 1-3 days. It is important to consider your different choices, the benefits and the risks associated with this method.

Risks of induction

You may experience the following difficulties after being induced into labour:

• extra pain relief because the contractions are often more painful
• chance of caesarean section
• failed induction
• limited movement
• overstimulation of the uterus: this may require medications to reverse the effects of the over-stimulation or an emergency caesarean
• cord prolapse (this is extremely rare). When the waters are broken there is a very small risk of the umbilical cord slipping below the baby’s head with the fluid. This requires an immediate caesarean section.

Assisted birth

You may require assistance during labour to reduce the stress of the baby, the baby is not transferring through the birth canal or you cannot push the baby through. Your obstetrician will support you through this process.

Caesarean delivery

Your doctor will advise you if you require a booked caesarean section. A caesarean delivery can be the best option due to previous medical history or other individual health reasons. Our most important aim is for a healthy mum and baby.

Elective caesareans are performed during your week 39 of pregnancy. You will be booked in for surgery at your 36 week doctors appointment.

Baby born earlier than expected

Newborns are admitted to our Special Care Nursery if they are born prematurely (less than 37 weeks gestation) or require diagnosis and further care. Special Care Nursery is located in between Birth Suite and the Maternity Ward. To access the nursery, proceed to the Birth Suite entrance on level 2 and press the intercom to alert staff of your arrival.