What do I do when she goes into labour?

The baby’s coming! What to do? Don't panic - here's our quick checklist and action plan.

One. Check that she's in labour

She'll know if she's in labour - and here are the tell tail signs:

1. Her waters break.
2. A ‘show’ (the pinkish mucus womb-sealing plug)... this can come away up to two weeks before the birth.
3. Contractions - she'll let you know when she's having one

You and your partner may or may not notice 1 and 2. You will definitely notice 3.

Two. Time the contractions

Time how long contractions last and the number of minutes between contractions. Note if they're getting stronger.

Three. Contact your midwife

When the contractions are 10 minutes apart, phone your midwife or hospital maternity unit.

Four. Stay cool

It's really important to the birth process that your partner is calm and relaxed. Don't go stressing her out! If you're at home and you've got some time, run her a bath, put on some chilled music and just look after her.

Five. If you're planning a home birth...

Follow your midwife's advice, make sure your home is as comfortable and relaxing as possible, and wait for the midwife to arrive.

Six. If you're planning a hospital birth...

Know how long it will take to get to the hospital, and when you judge the time is right, drive to the maternity unit!

• keep a very close eye on the times between contractions
  
• be aware of how long it will take to get the the hospital.
• make sure there's fuel in the tank, and the roads are clear (here's AA roadwatch)
  

In rush hour, f you don't think you'll make it in time, you can call 999     for an ambulance.

When you arrive at the hospital...

• You’ll be asked to go to the maternity ward (though sometimes you may have to wait if the ward is full). 
• Hand the birth plan to the midwives and explain it, if necessary.
• Birth plan: what's that all about?
• Your partner may be given a hospital gown.
• Her pulse, breathing, temperature and blood pressure will be checked regularly.
• She’ll be asked about contractions, whether her waters have broken and what she’s eaten.
• An internal examination will show whether her cervix (the neck of the womb, connecting it to the vagina) is dilating (becoming wider).
• What can a dad expect from a good maternity service?

 

When will she give birth?

Labour goes through three phases (lasting from 30 minutes to 40 hours):

• early - the longest bit. Contractions still manageable.
• active – cervix dilates. Contractions become more intense and frequent.
• transitional - cervix dilated by around 8cm; contractions last up to 90 seconds every few minutes.

Your partner may feel like a bowel movement, her legs may become weak and she may be sweating, shivering or even vomiting. Your baby’s heartbeat will be checked with an ultrasound device.

• The birth

Author

Gavin Evans is a father of two daughters - aged 17 and 13 - and lives in North London. 15 years ago he changed gear from being a full-time reporter to full-time parent and part-time journalist. His writing on issues affecting fathers has been published in a wide range of publications including The Guardian, The Independent, Men's Health, Cosmopolitan, The Times and The New Statesman. He has written five books on sport, a chapter on men in Your Pregnancy Bible and is completing his first screenplay. Gavin also regularly posts blogs at www.gavinevans.net.

Any more tips?

Is there anything else you'd recommend to other expectant dads? What were the best things you did when your partner went into labour? Use the comments system below to make your recommendations.