Providing Claire doesn’t start to give birth in the next few hours or so, the birth will more than likely be induced on Monday, (Mr. Finn’s day in the sweepstake). This means that the process will be initiated rather than waiting for the body to start it itself.
There are two ways of inducing labour:
- Prostaglandins
These are substances produced naturally in the body, and can therefore be thought of ‘natural stimulants’. Prostin is an artificial prostaglandin given as a Gel and applied to the back of the cervix. Basically, this softens the cervix and encourages the body to start labour. - Artificial Rupture of Membrane (ARM)
This means pretty much as it sounds – having the waters broken, which encourages the uterus to contract and labour to begin. This is done by means of an internal examination, during which the midwife gently breaks the bag of waters around the baby’s head. Some ladies go into labour shortly after having their waters broken, but if the contractions do not start after 2 hours or so, the midwife will recommend another artificial hormone called Syntocinon, which is given by a drip into a vein in the arm. The quantity is then gradually increased until labour starts. If Claire is given the drip, she will not be allowed to walk around, as the midwives will be constantly monitoring the baby’s heart until birth.
Syntocinon is a synthetic form of Oxytocin, which is a natural substance in the body, and causes the uterus to contract.
How long will this all take? Good question. Your guess, it seems, is as good as any. Depending on how long it looks like it’s going to take at the time, depends on whether I am allowed to stay. If Claire is admitted over night while having Prostin, I, as the father, will be asked to go home; if anything happens in the night, then the midwife will call and I’ll then be allowed to join Claire, hopefully before the birth begins. During the day, however, I’m ok to stay with Claire though.
Do visiting hours affect any of this? Well, yes. It seems that Hinchingbrooke hospital is quite strict on the visiting hours, for the dad as well as other visitors. They made a point about it during the hospital tour a few months ago, and again too on all paperwork on the subject too. I quote:
Partners only 10.00am – 1.00pm and 8.00pm – 9.00pm
Partners + Other Visitors 3.00pm – 5.00pm and 7.00pm – 8.00pm
I suppose this means that the new mums in the ward have a bit of quiet time too. And, there’s a limit on the amount of people in with the new mum and baby at the same time. But Claire’s just announced that she’s not going to stay in hospital long enough for visitors, so it’s ok.
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