This is a very common question to be asked by a patient in advance pregnancy. Usually when a patient asks me this question she is asking if her baby is in an occipito-anterior position. Occipito-anterior is when the back of baby’s head (the occiput) is toward the...
What is labour? First stage labour is defined as regular coordinated contractions that cause your cervix to dilate. The onset of labour is when your contractions cause this to happen. There may be increased uterine activity in the days or even weeks before true labour...
What is induction of labour? Induction of labour is a procedure done to end a pregnancy after 20 completed weeks with the goal being a normal vaginal delivery. When is induction of labour considered? Induction is considered when there are complications of...
I think my waters have gone! Rupture of membranes (ROM) or “waters have gone” refers to the leaking of amniotic fluid (‘liquor’) from the amniotic sac around your baby because of a hole that develops in the amniotic membrane. It is a normal phenomenon during labour....
Vacuum and Forceps – Operative vaginal deliveries Will I need an operative vaginal delivery? Hopefully not. Only about 12% of my patients need operative vaginal deliveries. The usual indications for an operative vaginal delivery are: Lack of progress in second stage...
Will I need a Caesarean section? A Caesarean section is an abdominal operation to deliver your baby. It is either an emergency or elective operation. An emergency Caesarean section is done when there is an urgent complication in pregnancy or labour which significantly...
Perineal tearing The goal with a vaginal delivery is an intact perineum. This does not always happen. There can be tearing, the commonest area of tearing is the perineum. Hopefully it is only minor tearing. Sometimes an episiotomy is needed. This could be to avoid a...
Some of my friends have said I need a birth plan. Is this necessary? Answer: No – this is not necessary. The birth plan concept is more relevant for pregnant women going through the public system to have their baby where there is no personalised care and the staff...
This article is for my patients who have had a Caesarean section and are considering attempting a VBAC delivery this time. It’s purpose is to give you comprehensive information to help you to make your decision whether or not to attempt a VBAC. The contents of this...
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