Wye Valley NHS Trust

Pulse oximetry Once baby is born they will be offered pulse oximetry to screen for possible heart problems. This is a quick test where their oxygen levels in their blood is measured on their right hand and any foot.  If the results are not normal then they will be referred to the paediatrician for further investigations. Hearing screening Hearing screening will also be offered. If you aren’t having an early discharge after birth then this will usually happen on the maternity ward, otherwise you will be sent a letter with an appointment within four weeks.  Newborn and Infant Examination (NIPE)…

Elaine Taylor started working for Wye Valley NHS Trust in August 2005 after qualifying as a Diagnostic Radiographer.  My name is Elaine Taylor and I am a Sonographer working in the Radiology department. I started working at the Trust in August 2005. I had just qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer at Birmingham City University. I gained much experience working as a general Radiographer undertaking theatre work as well as x-raying patients from the wards, GP’s and outpatients.  I found my time as a Radiographer very rewarding and the help and support from my colleagues in radiology stood me in good…

The British Heart Foundation have produced lots of information and support for patients with heart and circulatory conditions. Click the relevant links to find resources such as booklets, quick guides, and videos. Conditions If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a heart problem, you may be feeling worried, overwhelmed or anxious. Sometimes, understanding your heart problem and knowing the facts can help you come to terms with it and help you to feel less worried. Angina Atherosclerosis Atrial fibrillation Coronary artery spasm Familial hypercholesterolaemia Heart attack Heart rhythms Heart valve disease Having a test for a heart…

The risks associated with induction of labour

Herefordshire Tuberculosis Service

Reasons you may be offered an induction of labour  The following circumstances in pregnancy may result in an induction of labour being offered to you: Post-dates pregnancy Advanced maternal age (40 years of age or more) Suspected big baby Suspected small baby Diabetes Pre-eclampsia Reduced fetal movements IVF If your waters break before tightenings start Obstetric Cholestasis Skip to the factsheet that is relevant to you, so you can start to make a fully informed decision on whether you would like an induction of labour.  Post-dates pregnancy A term pregnancy is classed as anything between 37 and 42 weeks. The…

If you have a flare-up of your Rheumatology symptoms and need advice, follow the steps below and we will help you: 1.     Contact the Rheumatology department: 01432 36 4020 orrheumatology.patient@nhs.net 2.     Leave a voicemail message and include following details: Your full name and date of birth Your hospital number and/or NHS number (if known) Explain that you are having a flare-up and need some clinical advice Please make sure you say you are on PIFU pathway 3.     The team will review your concerns and decide if you need a telephone or face-to-face appointment. 4.     If the team thinks you need…

Your pelvic floor is a combination of muscles in your pelvis which act as a hammock, supporting your bladder, bowel and uterus. Due to the extra pressure on your pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth your pelvic floor muscles will likely be weakened. You might experience less sensation when you need to empty your bladder which can lead to incontinence. Your pelvic floor muscles should steadily improve, but you can aid your recovery with pelvic floor exercises. If you are having trouble controlling your bladder after having your baby then you may need to see a physiotherapist, speak to your…

Membrane sweeps A membrane sweep or ‘stretch and sweep’ is when the midwife or doctor inserts two fingers into the vagina, through the cervix (if it is open enough) and uses a circular sweeping motion around the membranes in order to try and stimulate your body to release the hormone prostaglandin and create tightenings. NICE guidelines suggest that a sweep can be discussed and offered to women from 39 weeks. Although a membrane sweep isn’t a formal stage in the induction of labour process, it is still classed as a method of inducing labour and is often thought of as…

An instrumental birth refers to the use of either forceps or ventouse (suction cup). An instrumental birth happens for 1 in every 8 births.   Forceps are metal instruments which fit together around your baby’s head to speed up the process of baby being born during the pushing phase.  The doctor will pull the forceps as you also push down during a contraction. Ventouse is a suction cup which is placed on baby’s head firmly and also pulled by the doctor while you push.   The choice of instrument will depend on the situation, how many weeks pregnant you are…