SWFT Maternity Communications

09/09/2025

(4 of 4) What are your options for Induction of Labour?

Non hormonal options

Foley's 'Balloon' Catheter

A Foleys catheter is a long, flexible tube that is inserted into the cervix during a speculum examination. The tube is then filled with sterile water which inflates a small balloon at the end of the catheter. The weight of the filled balloon then applies pressure onto the cervix and causes it to dilate. The catheter can stay in place for up to 24 hours.

09/09/2025

(3 of 4) Outpatient Induction - What happens when you are home?

It is important to eat and drink as normal. You may feel like keeping active or you may want to rest – listen to your body. You can take a shower as normal, however a bath, va**nal douching and sexual in*******se is not recommended while the Dilapan-S® rods or Foleys catheter is in place. You must not attempt to remove the rods or catheter yourself.

Sometimes, as the induction progresses and your cervix begins to open the Dilapan-S rods or Foleys catheter may fall out by itself. This is not something to worry about but please get in touch with the hospital if this happens. Do not throw these away, instead bring them to the hospital with you.

You will be given a time to return to hospital to continue with your induction.

If you experience or notice any of the following, please phone Maternity Assessment Suite (MAS) immediately:
• Regular painful contractions (coming every 3-4 minutes, lasting 60 seconds, for the last hour)
• Baby’s movements have changed or are reduced
• You think your waters may have broken
• You have any fresh blood loss from your va**na
• You feel generally unwell
• You have any concerns or would like further advice

09/09/2025

(2 of 4) What are your options for Induction of Labour?

Non hormonal options

Dilator Rods (Dilapan®)

The rods will be inserted into your cervix during a speculum examination. It works by absorbing fluids within the cervix, gradually increasing in volume and dilating the cervix. It also helps to release hormones that will help to soften the cervix. They are then removed when your cervix is ripe and you are ready for the next stage of your induction. This is usually between 15-18 hours.

09/09/2025

(1 of 4) If you are due to have an induction you may be eligible for Outpatient Induction

This means if you have a low risk pregnancy you may be eligible to go home after the beginning part of your induction process is commenced.

This will be using Foley 'Balloon' Catheter or Dilapan S to ripen your cervix. See the leaflet in your Badger App and ask your Midwife or Obstetrician if you are suitable.

08/09/2025

Perineal Massage and the benefits; Links Below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik7fkC1DIN0

https://therealbirthworkshop.online/public/enote?id=l8BF7PVk018Dk1w97G

https://thepogp.co.uk/pelvic_health_and_wellbeing_during_pregnancy_videos.aspx

https://www.nct.org.uk/information/labour-birth/planning-birth/how-do-perineal-massage-step-step-guide

07/09/2025

06/09/2025

Take a tour with us of our BlueBell Birth Centre

05/09/2025

(1 of 2) Room 5 - Birthing Pool on our Labour Ward here at SWFT

04/09/2025

BCG vaccination is only recommended on the NHS for babies, children and adults under the age of 35 who are at risk of catching tuberculosis (TB).

There's little evidence the BCG vaccine works for people over the age of 35.

The BCG vaccine should only be given once in a lifetime.

BCG vaccination is recommended for all babies soon after birth up to 1 year old who: are born in areas of the UK where the rates of TB are high and or have a parent or grandparent who was born in a country where there's a high rate of TB and or live with, or are close contacts of, someone with infectious TB. Please see the guidance attached:

Find out about the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (TB), including who should have it and possible side effects.

03/09/2025

Click the Link to find out more

https://youtu.be/t-TJsQCnM8Q?si=XpAPlnAM15in5lAp

03/09/2025

There are still spaces left in September, in the Stratford area.

02/09/2025

Burping your baby:

Burping your baby will get rid of the air they have swallowed while drinking milk. See our guide for burping tips and best positions.