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You’re almost there!
By now, you will probably have had or be about to have your 40 week appointment.
This week we remind you to rest and prepare for labour and birth. We also remind you of the signs of labour and when to contact the hospital and outline some things to consider after your baby is born.
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Part 1: Reminders and recap
If you haven’t already developed a birth plan, now is a good time to consider writing one as it can help you to explore your options, make informed decisions and communicate your preferences.
To access the Women’s birth plan template please click on the link:
Now is a good time to rest as you prepare for labour and birth. It is good to have your bag packed. For ideas of what to pack, please review our factsheet:
Check the Women’s website for current updates regarding COVID-19 and possible restrictions. You will find the latest information at our COVID-19 Information Hub.
Part 2: Things affecting your pregnancy now
By now, some of you may be experiencing more Braxton Hicks contractions or some irregular labour contractions. Hopefully over the next few days you will spontaneously begin labour.
Please remember to ring the hospital if you have any concerns on (03) 8345 3635.
See our fact sheet When to call the hospital: Advice in late pregnancy for more information.
Now you are at 40 weeks’ gestation, your doctor or midwife will talk to you about booking in for an induction at 41 weeks and 3 days, if your pregnancy goes on longer than 40 weeks.
Read through the information provided in Week 36 about Inductions and have any questions ready for this appointment.
You can also watch our Induction of labour video.
We also have a fact sheet on Induction of Labour that you may like to read through before your clinic appointment. This fact sheet is available in several community languages.
Part 3: Things to consider
As labour, birth and the early parenting period are unique to each parent and baby, any plans will work better if they are flexible. There may be times when changes are recommended or required. This can apply to your labour, your new baby, any older children, as well as any social changes.
It will be helpful for you to explore some potential contingency plans - in other words have a Plan A and a Plan B. The staff at the Women’s will work in partnership with you, and support your informed decision-making.
Just like making a birth plan can help you prepare for your birth and identify what is important for you, making a post-birth plan, can help to prepare you for the inevitable changes to life with a new baby.
Talk to your partner, family, and friends about what will be important to you. They can help you create realistic expectations and put strategies in place to help you transition to early parenting.
Here are some links to information that may help your recovery after the birth of your baby:
This fact sheet developed by our Physiotherapy Department gives you advice about how to look after yourself in the weeks after the birth of your baby.
If you have a caesarean birth, we recommend you look at the information above, which was prepared by the Raising Children Network.
A new baby can significantly change your relationship with your partner, and other important relationships in your life. The information, prepared by the Better Health Channel, outlines many of the issues new parents face and gives advice on where to go for help if you need it.
The first few weeks at home can be both challenging and amazing. When times become more challenging than enjoyable, it’s helpful to be able to identify the signs of postnatal depression and anxiety. This can enable you or your partner to seek early support.
If you feel like you need help or want to talk to someone for advice, here are some organisations you can contact:
- PANDA
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.
PANDA also has information for LGBTIQ families.
- Beyond Blue
On their Healthy Families website you will find lots of information to help you, including what to expect as a new parent, your mental health and wellbeing, and advice for your partner too.
We hope you have found the information provided during your pregnancy to be helpful.
Remember you can go back to previous weeks if you wish.
If you have any health concerns, please talk to one of your health care professionals – midwife, General Practitioner (GP), hospital doctor, etc.
We hope you have a positive birthing experience at the Women’s.