Pregnancy Labour And Birth Carers
Carers during pregnancy, labour and birth may include midwives, your general practitioner, an obstetrician or a combination of all three. It is a good idea to talk to healthcare professionals, family and friends about your options, and what to expect from the different types of pregnancy care available.
Hospital Pregnancy Test Accuracy
The serum hCG levels are higher than urine hCG levels. Also, a pregnancy test in the hospital is done by a professional.
Unlike home pregnancy test there is no case of getting evaporation lines or faint positive. No matter how faint a pregnancy test line is, it means you are pregnant.
Hospital pregnancy tests are more accurate and can detect pregnancy earlier.
Signs Of Preterm Labor
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. One of the main signs of preterm labor is contractions before you reach 37 weeks. The contractions might start out as only a tightening sensation but become painful and more frequent . Other signs of preterm labor that can occur before 37 weeks include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- A sudden gush of clear, watery fluid from your vagina
- Dull or sharp backache
- Intense pelvic pressure and cramping which may radiate to your groin and thighs
- Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and an overall feeling of being unwell
If you are having symptoms of preterm labor, call your healthcare provider right away. If you can’t reach your doctor or midwife, go to the emergency room.
Preterm labor can be risky for you and your baby. The sooner its identified, the better. In some cases, preterm labor can be stopped, or at least stalled, which can help reduce the risks.
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How Do I Prepare To Go Hospital Or Birth Centre
It can be hard to know when is the right time to go to the hospital or birth centre when having a baby. If youre booked for an induction or caesarean birth, then the certainty around timing will be easier.
You should be prepared with what you need to take and how you will get to the hospital or birth centre.
Its also a good idea to have a birth plan, so you have a written record of what you would like to happen when you are having your baby.
Can I Go To Urgent Care For A Yeast Infection
Yeast infections arent particularly dangerous to you or your unborn child. They are mostly just uncomfortable. If youre experiencing heavy, white discharge or itching around the vagina, you should see your doctor. While a yeast infection may be no big deal , symptoms of a yeast infection are similar to those of bacterial vaginosis and other sexually transmitted infections. Its best to have a doctor do an exam, just to make sure.
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Which Hospital Does Early Pregnancy Check Go To
First: if it is possible to be pregnant, you can go to the hospital for blood test and hCG examination to determine whether you are pregnant, with high accuracy. You can test after one week of sexual life. Test paper detection needs 14 days after sex to be accurate, the best use of morning urine test. At present, pay more attention to rest and relax.
Second: the current situation of early pregnancy examination need to do hormone level detection, pelvic ultrasound, the cost is about 100 yuan, do not require fasting, but B ultrasound examination need to hold urine. Can pay attention to the rules of life and diet, avoid contact with adverse factors of fetal development, regular physical examination.
Third: it will take about three months to check. First of all, we need to do a complete set of six items including blood type, serum, liver function, two pairs and a half, and what we need to check. The complete set includes Treponema pallidum, anti Toxoplasma virus, anti rubella virus, anti cytomegalovirus, and then routine physical examination of pregnant women such as B-ultrasound.
Having A Baby In Hospital
4-minute read
When you fall pregnant, you will need to think about where you’d like to have your baby. Your options will depend on where you live and what is available in your area. This page explains what you can expect from having your baby in a public or private hospital.
Where you give birth will also depend on whether your pregnancy and birth are expected to go smoothly, which is known as low risk. Most maternity units in larger hospitals cater for both low and high-risk pregnancies and births.
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Are Hospital Urine Tests More Accurate Than Home Pregnancy Tests
Yes, they are more accurate than home pregnancy test kits as a home pregnancy test involves a lot of presumptions and a urine sample instead of blood sample.
Evaporation lines and a false negative pregnancy test is a common problem in that case.
A pregnancy blood test is a more sure way of detecting pregnancy.
When To Go To The Hospital
As you approach your due date, your doctor or midwife will give you guidance on when to call them or go directly to the hospital. Depending on your medical history and what your pregnancy has been like, you may have special rules to follow.
In general, the goal is to head to the hospital when you’ve reached the stage of active labor . There are a few ways that your body will signal that you’re heading towards active labor.
While there are clues your body will give you that the birth of your baby is imminent, only a medical professional can confirm that your labor has started and what stage you’re in.
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Preparation Means Less Stress
Getting prepared ahead of time means less stress as the big day approaches so you can focus on your pregnancy and the health of you and your baby. We hope this guide provides some help. Best wishes from your VPFW family!
If you have any questions about your pregnancy, call us at or set an appointment online.
Talking To Your Health Care Provider
When your body is going through physical changes that may be completely new to you, it isn’t always easy to talk to your health care provider. Maybe you’re wondering whether you can have sex or what to do about hemorrhoids or constipation, or maybe you’re feeling feeling worried about the delivery.
You might feel embarrassed to ask these or other questions, but it’s important to do so and remember, your health care provider has heard them all before. Keep a running list of questions, and take it with you to each visit.
Also, if you have:
- heavy bleeding
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Having A Baby As A Public Patient
Choosing to have a baby as a public patient means:
- You go to antenatal check-ups at an outpatient clinic at the hospital, or a community-based health centre or a GP accredited by the hospital or shared care with your GP.
- You usually have your baby in the public hospital closest to where you live.
- You may be cared for by doctors or midwives depending on the level of care you need.
- When you are in labour and during birth, you will be cared for by a hospital midwife who will deliver your baby. A doctor will only be present at birth if you need extra medical care. You will not be able to choose the midwife or doctor who attends the birth.
- If a doctor attends the birth, the attending hospital midwife will continue to provide care for you.
- After leaving hospital, a hospital midwife may visit you once or twice at your home, or you may visit your GP.
- You are encouraged to see your GP 6 weeks after the birth of your baby. If you do not have a GP, it is a good idea to try to find one you are comfortable with before you have your baby.
If you are eligible, Medicare will cover the costs of having your baby in a public hospital.
Research About Pregnancy Care
There is growing evidence that having the same midwife from early pregnancy, through labour and birth until around six weeks after birth has significant and lasting health benefits for women, their babies and families. Some hospitals have responded to this by introducing models of care where women are more likely to see the same midwife or small team of midwives throughout their care. The other option is to employ your own private midwife.
Some studies have also shown increased satisfaction amongst women who have had a private obstetrician, possibly because they are also getting a level of continuity by seeing the one obstetrician throughout.
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Prenatal Care And Services
Preparing for the birth of your baby is often exciting and sometimes a bit confusing, especially if it is your first time. Our labor and delivery unit provides comprehensive prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. This includes ongoing appointments to manage existing health conditions, as well as prevent or address issues that may develop while you are pregnant.
Our prenatal services also include:
- Childbirth and newborn care classes
- Guided tours of our birthing centers
- Fetal assessment
- Preparing expectant parents for the labor and delivery of their new addition
Hospital Pregnancy Test Vs Home Pregnancy Test
At home pregnancy tests are qualitative pregnancy tests. They only detect whether your urine has hCG or not. Based on this finding the home pregnancy test gives a positive or negative result.
A home pregnancy test cannot identify whether the source of hCG is a fertility drug or placenta.
They also cannot determine the amount of hCG present in urine.
The hCG levels tell the gestational age which is the time passed from the day of conception.
Hospital pregnancy tests are quantitative pregnancy tests. They determine the amount of hCG present in a womans serum.
A hospital urine pregnancy test may also be a choice. They are precise compared to home urine pregnancy test.
The primarily hospital pregnancy test is a blood pregnancy test.
Serum hCG levels are higher than urine hCG levels which makes the hospital pregnancy test more accurate.
But they have their own set of disadvantages. A hospital pregnancy test is almost triple the cost of home pregnancy test at least. If you get a negative pregnancy test in a hospital, then a lot of money will go wasted.
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What Are Common First
The first-trimester of pregnancy is notoriously rough. Many women experience morning sickness, fatigue, and spotting. All of these are relatively normal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. However, having an urgent care center that you can book a same-day appointment with or use as a walk-in clinic can help give you peace of mind as you navigate early pregnancy. Lets look at some common first-trimester health concerns and whether they can be treated at urgent care.
Around The Day Of The Birth
When you think youre in labour, you phone the public hospital. The midwives in the birth suite will talk to you about whats happening and discuss the best time for you to come into hospital.
Midwives will care for you when you get to hospital. If you have any complications, a doctor will help with procedures or operations.
Most women stay in public hospitals for about 1-2 days after a vaginal birth, and around 3-5 days after a caesarean birth. But if you and your baby are well and youre happy to go home, your stay could be less than 24 hours.
A midwife might visit you at home.
If youre having a planned or elective caesarean, youll know the day of your babys birth in advance. The hospital will tell you how to prepare, including how long to fast and when to come to hospital. Youll be admitted to the maternity ward, but your baby will be delivered in the operating theatre.
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The Last 4 Weeks Of Pregnancy
In the final four weeks of your pregnancy, you will likely visit your obstetrician every week until your delivery. Some women plan and opt for a cesarean, while others may plan an inducement if the baby is late. Most doctors will not schedule either before 40 weeks unless you are in a high-risk pregnancy. Heres what to expect during these final four or five visits.
Weeks: Register And Schedule A Tour Of Your Hospital And Register For Prenatal Classes
Around 24 weeks, schedule a tour of the labor and delivery unit of the hospital where you are a delivering as well as any classes youd like to take to prepare you for the birth of your baby.
Henrico Doctors Hospital
Call 804-320-3627 or visit the classes and events page to sign up for a labor and delivery tour or prenatal classes at Henrico Doctors Hospital.
Johnston-Willis Hospital
Call 804-320-3627 or visit HCAs classes and events page to sign up for a labor and delivery tour or prenatal classes at Johnston Willis.
St. Francis Medical Center
St. Marys Hospital
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Hospital Bag For Your Baby
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Bodysuits. Hospital policies can vary on what newborns can be dressed in so consult with your doctor in advance about what to pack. You may need to add to what the hospital provides in terms of accessories and layers. Remember, with bodysuits itâs a good idea to choose those that fasten up at the front.
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Socks and hats. Newborns can get cold easily so take some socks and hats just in case. Even during skin-to-skin contact, your newborn can wear a hat and socks.
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Blanket. The hospital will likely provide blankets, but a blanket of your own is always good to have on hand to use during skin-to-skin contact. It can also be used to keep your baby warm in the car seat on the way home.
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Going-home outfit. Consider the weather conditions: a bodysuit, booties, and hat could be fine during the warmer months, but in winter, pack mittens and a jacket or snowsuit, as well.
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Car seat. This obviously isnât for the hospital bag, but the right car seat should be installed in your car around the same time you pack your baby bag so itâs ready for the day you bring your newborn home from the hospital. You wonât be able to take your baby home otherwise.
Keep in mind, diapers and wipes will be provided by the hospital or birthing centre, so you donât have to worry about packing them. However, if you prefer, you could bring your Pampers sample kit to the hospital with you.
You’re Having Symptoms Of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious condition of pregnancy where your blood pressure gets too high . Preeclampsia requires close medical treatment, as it can cause life-threatening complications during labor and delivery.
While your blood pressure is a sign that your doctor or midwife can measure, you may not be able to tell when it is elevated. Another sign of preeclampsia is protein in your urineagain, something that you might not be aware of, but that a healthcare professional can test for.
You may not have symptoms of preeclampsia. Even if you do have symptoms, you might think they are just a normal part of pregnancy. The following symptoms can be a sign of preeclampsia:
- Swelling in your face and hands
- Sudden weight gain from fluid
- Blurred vision
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
If you have symptoms of preeclampsia, call your doctor or midwife immediately. If you can’t reach them, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
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Pregnancy Care For Women With Extra Needs
During your pregnancy, you may need additional care. Your needs may be medical, cultural, social or emotional. For example, you may need:
- close monitoring of you or your baby
- the services of an interpreter
- financial or accommodation assistance
- home-based support
- support for mental health problems, drug issues or alcohol dependency.
If this is the case, you may receive your pregnancy care from specialised staff located within the hospital or in the community.
Week 36 Pregnancy Checkup
At your 36 week check-up, your doctor will:
- Check your weight and blood pressure to check for signs of preeclampsia
- Measure the fundal height of your uterus
- Check your babys heart rate
- Ask for a urine sample
Your doctor may discuss:
- Discuss the signs and stages of labor
- Limiting travel no more than an hour from home
- Discuss what to do if you have signs of preterm labor
- Answer questions you have about breastfeeding, an epidural, or other options for pain relief, and prepping for your hospital stay
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Can I Have My Baby At The Womens
The Victorian public maternity system is designed to make sure that all women get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This means, women who have uncomplicated pregnancies are cared for in their local maternity hospital. Women with complicated pregnancies need to attend a tertiary hospital for their pregnancy care .
The Royal Womens Hospital prioritises pregnancy care for:
- Women who live in our local area
- Women from across Victoria who require specialist care for a complicated pregnancy.
Speeding Up The Process
If your contractions are still far apart and you want things to go faster, try walking around. It can help your baby move into your pelvis. The pressure that gravity puts on your cervix can also help things move along. You can also try these labor and birth positions to ease discomfort and possibly speed things up a bit.
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