When labour is assessed to be in an active phase, you are usually admitted to the labour ward. This means that the contractions are not only felt, but also affecting the cervix and continuing to progress. When you are admitted, the midwife plans follow-up and monitoring based on how your body is working.

Upon arrival in the labour room, a new assessment is made of the pattern, strength, and duration of the contractions. The fetal heart rate is monitored to evaluate how the baby responds to the contractions. This can be done with a Doppler device, intermittent monitoring, or CTG, depending on the situation and the stage of pregnancy. The fetal position may also be assessed, especially if the head is down and beginning to descend into the pelvis.

A vaginal examination may be performed regularly or when needed to follow how the cervix is changing in dilation, softness, and position. This examination shows whether labour is progressing as expected or if additional monitoring is required.

Once admitted, the planned assessments depend on how labour develops. Changes in contractions, fetal position, and your body’s responses are followed over time. Admission indicates that labour is active and that your body is working in a phase where monitoring and support are needed.

Alma’s tips 🌿

• You can ask how the midwife assesses that labour is active and how it will be monitored going forward.

• It may help to ask which assessments are typically repeated during labour and why.

• You can request to know when your baby’s position or your cervical changes will be checked next.