Virtual maternity ward tour

angeliquecarroll: This is my first pregnancy. Assuming no complications, how long should I expect to be in hospital after the birth?
Pam: If everything is OK, usually the minimum is six hours. You generally think that you will rest in hospital but that is not really the case. So the best place is at home in your own bed, getting well fed and looked after by your family. In hospital the wards are usually very busy and noisy even at night. So if everything is OK with you and the baby, go home as soon as you feel able.

lisajulia: I think I'm loosing my mucus plug. It's my third child (although I have forgotten most things in six years) and I have terrible back pain, but there is no blood so it's not a show - or is it? Is there a difference and could things be beginning to happen or could it still take a long time? My first baby was 2hrs 20mins and 9lb 2oz and second was 1hr 10mins and 10lb 3oz. I have been told this one is smaller but am scared it could all happen very quickly again. I'm also finding the Braxton Hicks a lot more painful this time too.
Pam: Women usually think a show has to be bloody or old blood but that is not always the case. It can be a clear mucousy plug. We know that it does not always mean that labour is imminent for first-time mums. But with some one who has had a baby before often labour is not too far away, a day or two. But who knows? Just be more aware of your Braxton Hicks - how often they are coming and the strength, especially as you have had quick labours before. Does a bath slow the Braxton Hicks down? If it's real labour they continue usually and you notice that the intensity is greater when getting out.