Admission Procedures for Early Labour Checks: What to Expect

The journey towards childbirth is an exciting and transformative experience for expectant parents. As the big day approaches, one of the most important decisions to make is when to go to the hospital or birth centre, particularly in relation to early labour checks. Understanding the admission procedures, what to expect during early labour, and how antenatal care plays a role in this process is crucial for making informed decisions about your care. In this article, we’ll explore what happens when you arrive at the hospital or birth centre in early labour, what antenatal appointments and checkups are involved, and how to prepare for this important stage of your pregnancy. Whether you’ve attended antenatal yoga sessions to prepare physically, or you’ve taken antenatal classes to mentally prepare for labour, understanding the admission procedures will help ensure a smooth and informed experience.

What Are Early Labour Checks?

When you begin experiencing signs of labour, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. The early stage of labour, also known as the latent phase, can last for several hours to days, and during this time, you’ll need to determine when it’s the right moment to head to the hospital or birth centre for antenatal care. Early labour checks are the procedures that healthcare professionals use to assess whether you’re in the early stages of labour, how far along you are, and what kind of care or support you may need. These checks help to determine whether you should stay at the hospital, head back home, or wait until labour progresses further. The purpose of these early labour checks is to ensure that both you and your baby are healthy and safe during the initial phase of labour.

What Happens During Early Labour Checks?

When you arrive at the hospital or birth centre, the medical staff will conduct a series of assessments to determine how far along you are in the labour process. These checks are designed to provide your healthcare team with important information about your pregnancy and the status of your labour.

1. Monitoring Contractions One of the first things your healthcare provider will do is monitor your contractions. Contractions are a key indicator that labour has begun. During the early labour phase, contractions may be irregular and mild, but they will become more consistent and intense as labour progresses. The healthcare provider will use a fetal monitor or a tens machine to assess the frequency, duration, and intensity of your contractions. This will help them determine how advanced your labour is.
2. Cervical Examination A cervical examination is usually performed during early labour checks. Your midwife or obstetrician will check the dilation of your cervix (how open it is), as this is a major sign of labour progression. Early labour typically involves the cervix dilating from 0 to 4 centimetres, and as you approach the more active stages of labour, the cervix will continue to dilate up to 10 centimetres. It’s important to note that cervical examinations can be uncomfortable for some women. However, they provide vital information that helps your healthcare team assess your progress.
3. Checking for Amniotic Fluid Your healthcare provider will also check whether your waters have broken. If your amniotic sac ruptures, this signals the next phase of labour. If your waters haven’t broken yet, the healthcare provider may assess whether the baby is in a position that could delay the process or cause complications.
4. Assessing Baby’s Heart Rate An important part of antenatal care during labour is checking your baby’s heart rate. Your healthcare provider will use a doppler or a fetal heart monitor to listen to your baby’s heartbeat. This allows them to assess the baby’s well-being and ensure that there are no signs of distress. Regular monitoring is especially important if you’ve had complications during your pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.
5. Checking Vital Signs You’ll also be monitored for any changes in your vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. This helps healthcare professionals ensure that both you and your baby are stable as you progress through early labour.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Go to the Hospital?

Knowing when to go to the hospital is one of the most common concerns for expectant mothers. If you’re experiencing contractions, it’s important to distinguish between early labour and false labour.

Signs of Early Labour

1. Contractions: In early labour, contractions may start off as irregular and mild but become more frequent over time. You may feel them in your lower back or abdomen. If contractions are happening at regular intervals (for example, every 5 to 10 minutes), it may be time to head to the hospital.
2. Cervical Changes: If you’re unsure about how far you are into labour, an antenatal appointment or checkup with your healthcare provider may help. A cervical examination at the hospital can assess how much your cervix has dilated.
3. Breaking of the Waters: If your waters break (rupture of the amniotic sac), this is a clear indicator that labour is progressing. It’s advisable to head to the hospital as soon as your waters break, even if contractions are mild or irregular.
4. Bleeding: Some light spotting is common during early labour, but if you experience significant bleeding, you should go to the hospital immediately. Heavy bleeding can be a sign of complications, such as placental abruption, and requires urgent attention.

False Labour vs. Early Labour

Sometimes, women experience contractions that mimic the sensation of labour but do not result in cervical changes. This is known as false labour or Braxton Hicks contractions. These can happen any time in the third trimester and are typically irregular, not becoming more frequent over time. If you’re unsure whether you’re in early labour, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or visit the hospital for guidance. Many hospitals offer antenatal education and antenatal classes near me that can teach you about these early signs, so you feel more confident about recognising when labour has truly started.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Labour Preparation

One of the most important aspects of preparing for labour is attending antenatal checkups throughout your pregnancy. These appointments help you monitor both your own health and your baby’s development, ensuring that there are no surprises as you enter the final stages of pregnancy.

1. Regular Checkups and Monitoring

Your antenatal care involves regular checkups to assess your health and ensure your baby is growing and developing properly. At these appointments, your healthcare provider may conduct tests, monitor your weight gain, check your blood pressure, and assess your baby’s position and growth. All of these factors play a role in your labour preparation, so attending your appointments is crucial.

2. Preparing for Birth

Your antenatal care team will also help you prepare mentally and physically for birth. This can involve prenatal yoga sessions, antenatal fitness exercises, and discussing your birth plan. Whether you plan for a natural birth, an epidural, or other forms of pain management, these preparations can help reduce stress during labour.

3. Prenatal Massage and Relaxation

Some women also benefit from antenatal massage, which can help relieve tension and anxiety before labour. Prenatal massage, offered at certain antenatal clinics, can provide benefits like reducing muscle pain, promoting relaxation, and increasing circulation, making it easier to manage labour pains.

Preparing for Early Labour Checks

As you approach your due date, understanding what to expect during early labour checks can help reduce stress and anxiety. The admission procedures that take place during early labour are designed to ensure both you and your baby are safe and progressing well. From monitoring contractions to cervical examinations, your healthcare provider will guide you through the early stages of labour and determine when it’s time to move to the next stage. It’s important to stay in regular contact with your healthcare provider and attend antenatal appointments to stay informed about your progress. The more informed you are about antenatal care, prenatal care, and the procedures involved in early labour, the better prepared you’ll be when the time comes for you to give birth. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to ask questions during your antenatal clinic visits or antenatal classes.