Preparation for Labour & Birth - Topics to cover - Informed consent/induction

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by aboduw

Preparation for Labour & Birth outlines practical and clinical guidance for planning childbirth. It covers informed consent and induction, including NICE inducing labour guidelines and the effects on birth choices. The notes include induction timing and cervical changes, risks of going beyond 41 weeks, and options for natural induction with evidence. It also provides preparation lists for hospital and home, perineal massage steps, pain relief and positions, oxytocin release facilitation, breathing techniques, preparation for C-section, and curated resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time58 min

AccessFree to download

Topics to cover

Induction

Informed Consent

Hospital bag list

Perineal Massage

Preparation for Home

Natural Induction (evidence)

Risks of going beyond 41 weeks

Preparation for C-Section

Resources

Preparation for Labour & Birth Caitriona Quinn Bsc Physiotherapy Co-Founder of The Bump Room Topics to cover -Informed consent/induction -Birth preferences template -Hospital bag list -Perineal Massage -Pain Relief options -Optimal positions for labour and birth -Facilitation of Oxytocin Release -Breathing techniques -Preparation for C-Section -Resources Induction: • Cervical Effacement (shortening & thinning) takes place from 39 weeks • Induction before 39 weeks can be more difficult to dilate due to thicker cervix NICE Inducing Labour Guidelines 2021 • Information & Decision making – discussed from early pregnancy re: Expectant management/induction of Labour/Planned CSection • Confirm birth preferences later in pregnancy • Induction of labour is a medical intervention that will affect their birth options and their experience of the birth process. This could include that: NICE: Inducing Labour contd: • Vaginal examinations to assess the cervix are needed before and during induction, to determine the best method of induction and to monitor progress • Choice of place of birth will be limited, may be recommended interventions (for example, oxytocin infusion, continuous fetal heart rate monitoring and epidurals) that are not available for home birth or in midwife-led birth units • there may be limitations on the use of a birthing pool • there may be a need for an assisted vaginal birth (using forceps or ventouse), with the associated increased risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (for example, third-or fourth-degree perineal tears) • pharmacological methods of induction can cause hyperstimulation – this is when the uterus contracts too frequently or contractions last too long, which can lead to changes in fetal heart rate and result in fetal compromise • an induced labour may be more painful than a spontaneous labour • hospital stay may be longer than with a spontaneous labour. Induction of Labour in specific circumstances: • Pregnancy lasting longer then 41 weeks • Give women with uncomplicated pregnancies every opportunity to go into spontaneous labour before 41 weeks. • Labour usually starts naturally before 42+0 weeks (99%), based on the gestational age estimated by their dating scan Risks of going beyond 41 weeks: o increased likelihood of caesarean birth o increased likelihood of the baby needing admission to a neonatal intensive care unit o increased likelihood of stillbirth and neonatal death o induction of labour from 41+0 weeks may reduce these risks, but consider the impact of induction on their birthing experiences as discussed above. Natural Induction (evidence): • Dates consumption (4 weeks prior to due date) • Evening Primrose Oil (orally) Informed Consent: Hospital Bag List Baby • 8 Baby gros (short) • 8 Sleepsuits • 4 baby hats • Newborn nappies • Going home outfit • Vaseline • Soothers • Muslin x 2 • Cellular blanket x 2 • Baby wipes x 2 • Car Seat Mother • Medical Notes/Birth Preferences/ TENS / Arnica capsules • 3 Pyjamas (Buttons) • Dressing gown / slippers / flip flops for shower • Feeding bras x 2 • Disposable knickers • Lansiloh nipple cream/nipple shields • Shampoo/conditioner/shower gel • Sanitary towels (green) x 2 • Toiletries & Going home clothes • Breast pads • Magazines/headphones/phone/books/snacks (eating and drinking is safe and should be encouraged for normal labour)(NICE 2016) . • Peri bottle for peeing after birth Labour Ward Bag: • 1 baby gro (vest) 1 sleep suit • Baby hat • Blanket / Nappy • Nightie for Labour • Hair tie • Drink/snacks • Clean nightie for return to ward • Vaseline/Handcream/ Facial Spray/ Hand held Fan • Knickers & sanitary towels • Facecloth Preparation for Home: • Breast Pads • Moses basket/sheets/muslins/ cellular blankets • Silcocks base (bathing baby)/baby sponge/cotton wool • Baby changing unit/ bath

FAQs

What does informed consent for induction involve according to the notes?

The notes state that induction is a medical intervention that affects birth options and the birth experience. They include discussing expectant management vs induction vs planned C-section early in pregnancy, and confirming birth preferences later in pregnancy.

How do NICE guidelines describe what may be needed during induction?

They indicate that vaginal examinations are needed before and during induction to assess the cervix and monitor progress. They also note that place of birth may be limited and may require recommended interventions such as oxytocin infusion, continuous fetal monitoring, epidurals, and possible limitations on using a birthing pool.

What are the key risks of going beyond 41 weeks and how does induction change the risk?

The notes list increased likelihood of caesarean birth, increased likelihood of neonatal intensive care admission, and increased likelihood of stillbirth and neonatal death. They state that induction from 41+0 weeks may reduce these risks, while emphasizing considering the impact on birthing experiences.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by aboduw