The risks associated with induction of labour

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…

Herefordshire Tuberculosis Service

Wye Valley Community Diagnostic and Treatment Centre A brand new facility in the heart of Hereford.  When did the Wye Valley Community Diagnostic and Treatment Centre open? The building opened in September 2025 and welcomed it’s first patients. What is a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC)? Nationally Community Diagnostic Centres are springing up to provide a broad range of elective diagnostics away from acute facilities reducing pressure on hospitals and giving patients quicker and more convenient access to tests. As part of a national programme, a number of CDCs are now open across England. Some are based alongside acute hospitals, others…

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…

A video with some tips on how you can prepare for labour and birth. We provide antenatal education through The Real Birth Digital Programme. Please see the information below to find out more. The Real Birth Digital Programme  Birth Preparation Workshop This Course is FREE for you to access. It is available in English, Welsh, Polish, Portuguese, Urdu, Tamil and Arabic. The course includes breathing and massage techniques. You can access your course through your Digital Notes or a QR Code provided by your Midwife, or you can scan the QR code below to access the course.   What is the Real…

Otoscopy – examination of the ears to identify any wax blockages, infection, etc. Tympanometry – a measurement that tests the condition of the middle part of the ear and mobility of the eardrum by making small pressures change inside the ear. Hearing assessment – see below for further information about the range of methods of hearing assessment for different ages. We will discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s hearing and any relevant medical history or family history of hearing loss. The results of the assessment will be discussed with you during the appointment You will receive a…