The Labour Ward is both for healthy women and those with complications who may require more support during labour and birth.
Care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including Midwives and Nurses, Obstetricians, Anaesthetists, Paediatricians and support workers.
Normality is promoted and women are actively encouraged to participate fully in their care, with support form their birthing partners.You are free to choose your birthing partner/s who are there to support you during labour. Please note we allow a maximum of 2 birthing parters in the delivery room during labour and in birth.
Labour Ward Facilities
8 birthing rooms all with en-suite
4 bedded High Dependency Unit
2 bedded recovery area
2 Obstetric Theatres
All members of the team will ensure the focus is on respecting your individual preferences and ensuring your birth experience is a special one.
Who would give birth on Labour Ward?
You would give birth in this area if you:
- Have medical or obstetric complications
- Have had complications in a previous pregnancy or birth
- Go into labour before 37 weeks
- Require Induction of Labour (IOL)
- Need a Caesarean Section for medical or obstetric reasons
- Choose to have your baby on the Labour Ward
- Would like an epidural
Pain relief Options
- Pethidine
- TENS
- Entonox
- An epidural service is available on the Labour Ward
You can findout more information about pain relief in labour at the NHS Pregnancy Care Planner page (opens a separate window)
Transfer From Labour Ward
After a normal birth this normally occurs within 2 hours, if both you and your baby are well you may be discharged home directly from Labour Ward.
If you need to be monitored closely in the immediate period following the birth e.g. after caesarean section you will be transferred to our High Dependency Unit prior to going to the postnatal ward. Once you and your baby have recovered from the birth you will be moved to one of our postnatal wards.