Patient Instructions
When should you call a midwife?
During weekday office hours (8:30am - 4:30pm), call the Women's Center with your questions at (203) 688-4101.
If you think you are in labor or you have an emergency when the women's center is closed, call the on-call midwife on Labor and Birth at (203) 688-2309.
Signs and Symptoms of Labor
- You think your water has broken (Note time & color of the fluid)
- You have strong contractions every 3-5 minutes for an hour
- You are bleeding bright red blood from your vagina like a period
Other Symptoms or Emergencies
- More than 4 contractions in an hour before 36 weeks of pregnancy
- Bright red blood from your vagina
- Severe headache that doesn't go away after taking 2 Tylenol
- Fever
- Vomiting (haven't kept anything down all day)
- Decreased baby movement after 28 weeks
- Sexual or Physical Attack
- Car Accident
Always Call us before you come...
Call the midwife on-call before you leave for the hospital.
Even if you are sure that you need to go to the hospital soon, we need to know you are on your way.
By calling us first, you can know that the admitting office at the hospital is expecting you and that the midwife and nurses on labor & birth are prepared for you.
We can help you decide if there are some things you can do at home first and help you come to the hospital at the right time.
How do I time contractions?
Look at a clock or a watch. Note the time at the start of one contraction and at the start of the next.
The time between their starting times is how far apart your contractions are. For example, if one starts at 1:00 and the next at 1:05, your contractions are 5 minutes apart.
The midwife will want to know this when you call.
Can I Eat & Drink in Early Labor
Labor is hard work, and you will sweat. Try to drink 1 glass of water, juice or ginger ale every hour.
If you are hungry, eat light meals like soup toast, yogurt or cereal.
What can I do to be more comfortable in Early Labor?
- Shower or take a bath
- Walk
- Slow Dance
- Change positions
- Rock in a Rocking chair
- Back Rub or Massage
- Squat
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