Deciding when to come to hospital may not be easy. Contact the Birthing Unit on 02 4320 3440. Assistance is always available – do not hesitate to phone day or night.
Women in Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) should phone their allocated midwife.
If you have concerns about your birth due to recent media coverage, please be assured that the safety of you and your baby is our priority. Please do not hesitate to call us and present to Gosford Hospital if you go into labour.
Please call if any of the following apply to you:
- Your waters have broken or if you have a constant trickle of fluid
- You have bright bleeding from your vagina
- You have regular or painful contractions
- You have noticed a difference/decrease in the baby’s movement pattern
- You are concerned about any aspect of your pregnancy at any time.
If you are advised to come to hospital, please remember to bring your antenatal card with you.
If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant, and are experiencing pain or bleeding, please contact your GP, contact our Early Pregnancy Assessment Service or come to the hospital’s emergency department.
Early Pregnancy Assessment Service – EPAS
Where to come when you are in labour
When you are in labour you will come to the Birthing Suite on level 5 at Gosford Hospital.
How many support people can I have?
Two actively involved support people are welcome to stay with you during your labour and birth.
What pain relief is available?
We offer various pain relief options. We encourage active labour and non-medical options.
- Use of warm showers, bath or pool
- Heat
- Massage
- Music
- Medical pain relief options include:
- Sterile water injections for low back pain
- Nitrous oxide – breathed in via mask or mouth piece
- Morphine injections
- Epidurals (at Gosford Hospital only)
Can I have a water birth?
Water immersion in labour and birth is encouraged. Evidence suggests:
- Levels of pain are reduced
- Increases relaxation
- Women feel a greater sense of control in labour
- Less medical intervention
Water immersion in labour information sheet (36 KB)
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
- Comfortable clothes or pyjamas
- Tops you can breastfeed in (if that is your plan)
- Underwear (black is ideal) and a size bigger than usual to fit your maternity pads
- Maternity pads or disposable underwear
- Snacks for you and your support people
- Any items from home that will help you feel calms and relaxed (own pillow for example)
- Clothes for baby (3 long leg and long sleeve suits, 3 singlets, 3 wraps)
- Nappies and wipes
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes for your support person (including board shorts or something that can get wet in case you are in the shower or bath)
- Enclosed shoes for your support person
If you are planning a normal vaginal birth, try to only pack for overnight. You can always ask your partner or support person to bring more if you need to stay longer.
Gosford Hospital Maternity Services tour
Watch this video for a walkthrough of our maternity services facilities and to learn more about what to expect during your stay.