Your due date generally gives you a rough idea of when to expect labour to start. It is quite possible that you may go past you due date but for some women, labour can start earlier, but most usually from 36 weeks onwards. It is worth taking some time to be prepared for the arrival of your baby so that you are organised and don’t feel rushed or stressed at the last minute.
You may find this checklist useful for getting ready:
- Are you familiar with how to recognise the signs of labour?
- Do you have your Barwon Health contacts card in a visible place and are all your emergency phone numbers (such as your partner and support people, the birth suite, midwife, taxi) at hand?
- Is there someone else on hand in case you can’t get in touch with your partner/support person?
- Do you have the numbers of everyone you will wish to notify after the birth?
- Have you checked your home safety in preparation for keeping your baby safe when you take your baby home?
- Do you have a correctly sized and fitted child restraint in the car – and have you practised adjusting and securing it?
- Have you made arrangements for the care of young children or pets during your labour and birth?
- Do you have your maternity notes if you carry them?
- Do you have a copy of your birth plan?
- Is your bag packed and ready?
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Page last updated: July 1, 2024