Before birth
Childbirth
You can prepare for the labour yourself and help create a good birth experience.
Childbirth is a normal, physiological process. At the same time, giving birth is a complex and unique experience. It is a labor - a powerful effort for the body.
What do I do when labour starts?
Contact us when:
You are having contractions
Contractions come with 5-10 minutes apart and increase in strength and become more painful.
Each contraction should last about 40-60 seconds.
The pain is usually localized to the abdomen and/or back.
Water breaking
If you suspect that your water has broken, you should contact us, even if you are not having contractions.
Bleeding
A mucus-like bleeding caused by uterine contractions is a normal part of childbirth.
If you experience fresh bleeding, you should contact the maternity ward. You will be able to speak with a midwife.
Contact us if you are unsure whether labor has started, or if you have questions about labor. One of our midwives can give you advice and guidance.
How labour can begin
Labour can start in different ways. In the days leading up to birth, you may have periods of contractions that stop and then start again a few hours later.
The mucus plug may come out during the last weeks of pregnancy — this is normal and not a sign that labour has started.
The length of labour varies from person to person. First-time mothers usually take longer than those who have given birth before.
Water breaking (rupture of membranes)
The baby lies in a sac containing about 1.5 litres of fluid. The baby drinks and urinates into the amniotic fluid, and new fluid is constantly produced.
Normal colour is clear or pink. It can also be yellow or green – this is called discoloured amniotic fluid, and means the baby has had a bowel movement.
The water can break spontaneously.
It may come as a large gush, or just a small amount that makes your underwear feel wet. If you think your water has broken, please call the maternity ward.
A midwife will make a plan for possible induction or follow-up.
If you have tested positive for GBS (Group B Streptococcus), you will be admitted directly.
If contractions do not start, you will return for induction about 18–36 hours after your water has broken.
Inducing labour
No matter the reason for induction or the method used, there is no guarantee that labour will start on the day treatment begins.
Often, several induction methods – and sometimes several days – are needed to help the cervix soften and prepare both the mother and baby for birth.
The doctor will decide which method to use based on the examinations carried out.
How ripe or soft the cervix is will be a key factor in choosing the induction method.
Once labour has started, it will progress like a natural labour. Both the mother and baby will be monitored by a midwife and doctor.
Caesarean section (C-section)
There are different reasons why a woman may need a caesarean section.
It may be done for the health of the baby or the mother.
If the caesarean is planned, it will usually take place before the due date, which is set by ultrasound.
Sometimes, situations arise during pregnancy or labour that require an emergency caesarean, sometimes within just a few minutes.
At Haugesund Hospital, about 10% of pregnant women give birth by caesarean section. The decision must be based on medical reasons and made by a doctor.
You do not have a legal right to request a caesarean section, but if you feel you need one, you can have a conversation with a doctor to receive information and discuss alternative birth methods.
Pain and pain relief
Your body’s natural pain relief system. Your experience and attitude towards pain – and how pain is viewed in your culture – can affect how you cope with labour pain.Pain is personal, and everyone has a different tolerance level.
It’s important to prepare for birth. There are many ways to prepare both physically and mentally for birth, such as:
- Relaxation techniques
- Breathing exercises
- Listening to music
- Yoga
You can practise many of these at home.
Feel free to talk to your midwife for advice and tips.
Your body produces natural pain-relieving substances similar to morphine, such as endorphins. Endorphin levels are highest during birth, especially when the baby is born.
Your partner or birth companion is an important support person. Birth is a close and intimate experience, so we recommend not having too many people in the delivery room.
Breathing
- It helps to practise deep breathing during pregnancy.
- Focus on relaxing your body as you breathe out.
- This is especially helpful during contractions.
Movement and rest
It’s important to find a balance between movement and rest. Working with your body helps you listen to its signals. Being upright improves breathing and helps the baby feel more comfortable. Contractions become more effective and face less resistance.
Bathing
Many women find that a shower or bath has a relaxing and pain-relieving effect.
It can reduce stress, fear and anxiety, helping you feel mentally and physically calm. Warm water also increases endorphin levels.
Baths can be used by anyone with a normal pregnancy and labour without complications. Women with clear or normal-coloured amniotic fluid can use the bath.
Some midwives are trained to assist with water births. The midwife will decide if you can give birth in the bath.
Mother and baby-friendly ward
The maternity and postnatal unit has been approved as mother and baby-friendly since April 2006. This means the ward meets the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
The most important focus is to support breastfeeding and early close contact between mother and baby.
Midwives and nursery nurses work in the postnatal unit. We are available around the clock. During each shift, there will always be a dedicated staff member responsible for you and your baby. They will get in touch with you after each shift change.
We hope your stay helps you feel well prepared and confident when you go home with your newborn. We wish you, your baby, and your family a pleasant stay with us.
Heat
Hot water bottles and warm cloths can be used on the back, abdomen, or other areas where contractions are painful – such as the hips and thighs.
Massage
Women have different preferences when it comes to massage – both in terms of which areas they want massaged and how much pressure is used. Massage can be done over clothes or directly on the skin.
If using massage oil, warm it in your hands before applying it. Once your hands are in contact with the body, try to maintain contact throughout the contraction so the massage feels continuous and complete.
Massage should be gentle, but also rhythmic and firm. The woman is kept informed throughout. Massage is often done on the lower back, using slow, circular movements. This can be very effective for intense back pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is also used for pain relief. Needles are placed at different points to relieve pain during various stages of labour. One important effect is deep relaxation, which can reduce the need for other types of pain relief.
Acupuncture can only be offered if a midwife trained in acupuncture is on duty.
Sterile water injections
Sterile water (0.1–0.3 ml per point) is injected just under the skin in painful areas on the back and lower abdomen. This can be repeated and used alongside other pain relief methods.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Inhalation of up to 50% nitrous oxide (N₂O) can be used during contractions, stitching, and delivery of the placenta.
You breathe in and out through the same tube, so the gas doesn’t escape into the room. Nitrous oxide is not used during the pushing phase.
Epidural
An epidural is used for strong pain reactions, often combined with long labour or slow progress, and when the woman is exhausted.
It takes time to prepare and administer, and about 20 minutes before you feel the full effect.
Pudendal block
A pudendal block (local anaesthetic in the vaginal area) is a pain relief option used during the pushing stage of labour. It is also effective as anaesthesia during stitching after birth.
The anaesthetic works on the entire perineal area. It can also be used when there is an early urge to push – meaning before the cervix is fully dilated (10 cm) and the baby’s head is not yet low in the pelvis. In this case, it helps reduce the urge to push.