Whatever you want to know about getting pregnant, being pregnant or caring for your new baby, including our induction of labour workshop.
Urgent advice: Caesarean birth important information
If you are planning a caesarean birth please be aware a date for your planned caesarean may have to be provided at short notice. The dates and times for caesareans are allocated by the medical team based on the clinical needs and medical team availability. The community midwives and CARES team are unable to provide you with a date in advance. Additionally, please do not contact clinic 23 (maternity assessment) regarding caesarean dates as they are not able to assist with this. The maternity assessment line is only for immediate concerns such as reduced baby movements, vaginal bleeding and labour.
Due to a large increase in the number of caesareans we are providing, this has presented unavoidable challenges with scheduling caesareans in advance. As soon as you have been allocated a date you will be contacted via MyChart or telephone if you are not signed up for MyChart. This may be within 24 hours of your surgery so please check you are receiving MyChart notifications.
We understand how stressful this will be and are very sorry for any upset or inconvenience this may cause. We are committed to providing high quality, safe care to you throughout your pregnancy and birth, and are working hard to address these issues.
Induction of labour workshop
The Rosie Hospital now offers a virtual workshop for anyone who has an induction of labour booked with us.
Signs of labour - when to call us
If your pregnancy has been uncomplicated and you are having a hospital birth, it is advisable that you stay at home for as long as possible during the early stages of labour, as long as your baby is moving and you are coping with the contractions. Evidence suggests that your home environment will encourage you to remain relaxed and therefore more able to cope with the pain. Remember to continue to eat and drink during this time.
Please telephone the maternity assessment unit on 01223 217217 if:
- you think your waters have broken
- your contractions are becoming more painful and regular and you need midwifery support
- you have experienced any blood loss
- you have any concerns about the movements of your baby
- you have any other concerns
The midwives will then be able to help you decide whether you can stay at home or need to be reviewed in hospital. If your waters have broken, and you are considered not to be in labour after being reviewed by a midwife, please see the patient information leaflet on what to expect called ‘Ruptured membranes after 37 weeks of pregnancy’.
If you go beyond your expected date of delivery (EDD) by more than seven days and have a normal pregnancy, with no complications, your community midwife will discuss your options, including induction of labour with you.
You'll find week-by-week guides, videos, health advice and information about your NHS pregnancy journey (opens in a new tab).
View the NHS - Your pregnancy and baby guide (opens in a new tab)