By Associate Professor TAN Thiam Chye Head & Senior Consultant, Dr Janice TUNG Associate Consultant, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital

The day you've been longing for is coming soon when the bump you've been nurturing for nine months gives rise to your new bundle of joy.

Once you arrive at the hospital, you'll be seen by the midwife and doctor on duty, who will assess whether you're actually in labour. If your baby is indeed on the way, you'll be directed either to the antenatal ward or to the delivery suite, depending on the progress of your labour. (If it's a false alarm, you'll be sent home with a follow-up appointment with your obstetrician – but don't worry, you'll be back very soon for the big event.)

What Checks Will Be Carried Out On Me?

checks in the delivery suite

Once you've been shown to the delivery suite, you'll be monitored throughout your labour to check that it's progressing well. Here's what to expect:

  • The doctor or nurse will check your general condition, pulse rate, blood pressure and temperature regularly
  • They may also use monitors (known as cardiotocograph or CTG), which are strapped around your tummy — it's safe — to check your contractions and your little one's heart rate
  • During this monitoring, a bleeping sound will be heard — this is perfectly normal
  • You'll be given a vaginal examination — usually every four hours — to check on progress. If your waters haven't yet broken, the doctor may do this once your cervix has started to dilate. You may feel some warm fluid trickling out when this happens
  • An intravenous (IV) line is usually inserted to keep you hydrated with fluids and to give other medications

Related: 3 Signs You're Ready to Pop

Will I Be Given Any Medication?

medication in the delivery suite

If necessary, you may be given one or more of the following to encourage your labour and help ease your wee one into the world:

  • Analgesics, or painkillers, to prevent or decrease your labour pains
  • Oxytocics, which will increase the effectiveness of your contractions (you'll be given them after delivery as well to reduce the amount of blood loss)
  • Antibiotics may be given to reduce the chance of infection in certain cases
  • A fleet enema may be given to help empty your bowels before your delivery
  • Essential medications that you were given throughout your pregnancy may continue to be given to you

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Sources:

The New Art and Science of Pregnancy and Childbirth 2008, World Scientific

Healthy Start for your Pregnancy 2012, Health Promotion Board Singapore