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What's happening to your baby?
If you’re a first-time mum, your baby’s head may move down into your pelvis this week ready for birth. When this happens, your baby’s head is said to be ‘engaged’. If this isn’t your first baby, your baby’s head may not engage until you’re actually in labour.
If your baby’s head engages early it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will go into labour any earlier, but it’s a useful sign that things are progressing normally. You may also find that, because your baby is sitting lower in your womb, niggles like heartburn or indigestion start to ease.
Your baby’s fingernails have grown but the toenails will take a while to catch up. Don’t forget to include a pair of little scratch mittens in your hospital bag. |
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What's happening to you?
Your midwife may have spoken to you about when to go to hospital in labour (or call the midwives if you are having a home birth). Most midwives recommend waiting until your contractions are about five minutes apart and about 60 seconds long.
Your first port of call when you arrive is the maternity unit's reception desk. From there you'll be taken to the labour ward, where a midwife will examine you. (If you are having a home birth, this will happen at home.)
The midwife will check your urine and blood pressure, take your pulse and temperature then feel your tummy to check the baby’s position and listen to its heart. They may also offer to do an internal examination to find out how dilated your cervix is.
If labour is progressing you'll be taken straight to a delivery room. You and your midwife will then discuss your birth plan and go through the pain relief you’ve chosen. |
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"One thing that really helps with pain in labour is a supportive birth partner. They can help you with relaxation and breathing, or massage your back or shoulders if you find that helpful. Staying mobile helps you feel in control and your birth partner and midwife can help by suggesting new positions and helping you get into them."
Bev Rolls, Midwife |
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| We answer hundreds of questions a week from parents. For free support and advice, get in touch via our new Live Chat service, call or email.
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Come and get to know us a little better. |
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| Don't forget to take lots of change for parking when you go to the hospital – you could be there for quite some time! |
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| Find out what you'll need to take to hospital with you. |
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All the best,
The SMA Baby Club |
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Please do not reply to this email, as the mailbox is unmanned. For any help or assistance please contact our Careline team.
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Nestlé UK Ltd & Nestlé (Ireland) Ltd ®Reg. Trademark |
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