Frequently Asked Questions To Midwives

Do I have to book into a hospital to have my baby?

No you don’t as long as you don’t have any past history that would prevent you having a home birth.

Do midwives do water births?

Most midwives are very happy to do water births, but ask the midwife you plan to book with first, as a small amount do not do them

Do midwives do home births?

Again this is something you need to discuss with the midwife you plan to book with, because not all midwives offer this service.

When do I book with a midwife?

It’s important to start looking for a midwife as soon as you find out you are pregnant, as midwives can fill up very quickly. Usually between 6 – 8 weeks gestation

When will I feel my baby move?
This usually happens around the 19th week for first babies…and then it is very gentle fluttery movements that you are not too sure about, earlier 17th week for women that have had babies because they know and detect and little earlier.

When will I be scanned?
We do an early scan between 11 and 13 weeks which is a screening for down syndrome then again between the 18th and 20th week which is called an anatomy scan…this is to make sure that baby is developing at the right rate for its gestation…most parents want to know the sex of the baby and this is done at the anatomy scan. Sometimes we scan more often if we suspect the baby is too small or too big, twins, or if a problem has been picked up at the anatomy scan.

How do I know if I am in labour?
This question is discussed with your midwife. She will give you the information of signs and symptoms of labour usually 4 weeks before your due date.

Why do I have to have blood tests?
Blood tests give the midwife very important information in regards to your health at booking, your blood type, whether you have been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases such as Hep B or HIV. They also test for gestational diabetes later in the pregnancy and also ensure that your iron levels are good.

What should I do if I should start bleeding?
You should contact your midwife immediately ( even in the middle of the night) and she will make arrangements for you, either to go to your local hospital or to be scanned, unfortunately if it is a miscarriage there isn’t a lot anyone can do to prevent this from happening.

Is sex safe in pregnancy?
As long as you haven’t had any bleeding or other complications such as recurrent miscarriage then sex is perfectly safe and a normal part of your relationship, and no the baby will not be stabbed in the head as most fathers seem to think this is the case…your baby is perfectly protected.

When can I resume sex after baby?
Sex is ok so long as your are ready for it. Obviously if you have had stitches then it usually takes around six weeks to feel “normal down there” again, but you have to feel comfortable in resuming your sex life, so don’t rush it.

What can I take for contraception?
Again your midwife will discuss this with you post partum, she will give you options that you can choose from, its usually a good idea to also discuss this with your partner and decide which is the best for your both.

When will my periods start again?
Usually 4 – 6 weeks after the birth of the baby. For some breastfeeding mums they don’t get a period until they start weaning baby, but this is not rule of thumb as some breastfeeding mums can start their periods soon after the birth, so always use precautions if you resume you sex life