Frequently asked questions

All that the baby will need during his/her stay will be provided by the hospital, including nappies. However, it is a good idea to pack a small bag with the clothes and covers that she will need on the day he/she leaves.
For you, during labour you will wear a hospital gown. But After the birth you will use your own night wear. Pack a bag that includes your usual ‘overnight’ necessities. The hospital will supply sanitary pads.

It is the hospital policy that children under 12years are not permitted to visit the postnatal wards. However the hospital has a crèche facility and mothers can go down to see their children there.

Yes, to ‘room in’ simply means that your baby will remain continuously by your bedside. It is the current hospital policy to ask mums who would wish this, to sign that they take their own responsibility for their baby.

Yes, mum and baby will remain together to initiate breast feeding. However, prior to leaving the labour ward, all babies are check by a Paediatrician

Yes, Fiona can arrange to take you to visit the Labour Ward and the post delivery rooms available in the hospital.

Sure. We encourage any husbands who want to, to stay and support their wives through the whole labour process and be present for the birth of their child. In addition we offer ante-natal classes that cover topics such as breastfeeding and preparation for labour and husbands are very welcome to attend these. Unfortunately, though, in the case of a caesarean section, husbands aren't allowed into the operating theatre.

No, you don't need to book as you will be assigned a bed on the day. If you'd like to visit the clinic and see some rooms beforehand, we'll be happy to take you round for a visit.

Yes, during the antenatal classes, the meaning of ‘active birth’ is addressed. This means that you learn to draw upon your own natural resources to help you to cope in labour and be more mobile ( rather than lying on the bed) which combining these methods can reduce the need for conventional pain relief and can aid the birth process.

Most women will experience a form of depression known as the ‘baby blues’. Usually it is seen 2-3 days after birth. Symptoms include, crying, irritability, anger, exhaustion, anxiety and insomnia.
Hormones do play a large part in this, particularly considering the stress of the new baby.
A small percentage of women will have true postpartum depression. It is characterised by worsening of the above symptoms and last beyond 2-3 weeks.
It is advisable to discuss with you Doctor if you have any pre-disposing factors antenatally. These factors include history of depression, anxiety, panic, obsessive thoughts.
• Family history of depression
• Marital conflict
• Prior episode
• Low confidence as a parent
• Single parent
• Super women syndrome
• Hormonal risks (thyroid imbalance PMS, infertility)

When to seek help,
• When symptoms persist beyond 2-3 weeks after delivery
• When talking feeling out with people does not help
• Having great difficulty with daily living

REMEMBER
Post partum depression is very treatable. Seek support and seek professional help.

Prenatal vitamins are important to take in pregnancy. The main difference between prenatal and multivitamins is that a prenatal vitamin also contains Iron and Folic acid.
The average woman’s diet, on occasions does not contain enough iron to meet the demands of pregnancy, while Folic acid is a necessary mineral particularly in the first 3 months of pregnancy during the early stages of the baby’s development.

No one really knows why leg cramps are more common in pregnancy, but most likely it is because the muscles are tired from carrying the extra weight. It may also be aggravated by the pressure of the uterus on the blood vessels from the legs to the heart.
How to reduce leg cramping,
• Avoid standing or sitting with legs crossed for long periods.
• Stretch your calf muscles regularly during the day and several times before bed.
• Take a walk daily, unless your Doctor/midwife has advised you not to.
• Avoid getting too tired.
• Stay hydrated, drink plenty water.
• Try a warm bath before bed to relax the muscles.
(There is some evidence that taking Magnesium supplement may help some women, however check with your Doctor first
It is also believed that taking a calcium supplement may improve cramps, so far there is no evidence to support this.)

Stretch marks in pregnancy affect 70-90% of pregnant women.
A number of factors may influence whether or not a woman may develop stretch marks. These factors include, hereditary, i.e. if your mother or other members of your family, had stretch marks. Rapid weight gain, fair skin and dry skin, multiple pregnancies.
To help prevent stretch marks developing, avoid rapid weight gain, eat a well balanced diet, plenty of fluids, avoid tea & coffee.
Apply a light moisturising oil/cream to prevent dryness/itching, this will help to keep the skin supple.

Yes, provided that the pregnancy has been normal, i.e. no medical problems.
Check with your Doctor, prior to booking.
Most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks of pregnancy, confirm this directly with the airline. The airline may require a ‘fit to fly’ letter from your Doctor.
When you do travel wear loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes.
Move around the cabin regularly, every 1-2 hours
Your Doctor may recommend that you wear anti-thrombo-embolic tights, available to buy at most pharmacies
Drink plenty of water during the flight, avoid alcohol.
Any medical records you have, take them along with you.

Yes, if you have been use to exercising prior to pregnancy, there is no problem to continue. Ideally avoid risky activities, e.g. Horse-riding, skiing, water skiing, rock climbing. Check with your doctor if you are unsure.
A good exercise programme will help weight control and build stamina, do on a regular basis and do not over do it. Drink plenty of fluids and check your pulse rate, it should not go above 140 beats per minute. Alternatively if you cannot maintain a conversation during exercise, this may mean that you are overdoing it.
Ideal exercises in pregnancy include, walking, swimming, and yoga.
Stop and consult your Doctor or Midwife if any bleeding abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and leakage of fluid from vagina or dizziness.