When to come to hospital in labour
When to Come to Hospital in Labour is essential to ensure women are aware in advance of who to contact, when and why to come to hospital, and the signs of labour. It also provides information to ensure timely access to care, especially if complications arise.
What to Bring to Hospital when Having a Baby
What to bring to hospital when having a baby details what families need to organise so their partner/ support person feel prepared and are as comfortable as possible for their hospital stay.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is recommended for screening for depression in the antenatal and postnatal periods. The following EDPS translations have been linguistically validated (forward and back translations by Western Sydney Local Health District Translation Services. Translations for either antenatal and postnatal use are printed on official NSW Health forms for accurate scanning into health medical records. Please be aware that scores used to identify possible depression in migrant and refugee women are generally lower than those used in the general Australian population. Use the following guide for screening: The EPDS is a screening tool not a diagnostic one and designed to identify those who require a more comprehensive mental health assessment. Complete the first antenatal screening as early as practical in pregnancy and repeat screening at least once later in pregnancy. Complete the first postnatal screening 6-12 weeks after birth and repeat screening at least once in the first postnatal year. For a woman with an EPDS score between 10 and 12, monitor and repeat in 2-4 weeks as the score may change subsequently. Arrange further assessment of perinatal women with an EPDS score of 13 or more. For a woman with a positive score on Question 10, undertake or arrange immediate further mental health assessment and if there is any disclosure of suicidal ideation, rake urgent action in accordance with local protocol. Use appropriate antenatal or postnatal NSW Health forms below:
Pregnancy and Alcohol - information you might not know about
Pregnancy and Alcohol brochure provides evidence-based information about the effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This brochure is available in a range of languages.
Contraception After You Have Had a Baby
Contraception After You Have Had a Baby. This resource summarises options for suitable contraception after giving birth, including suitable options for breastfeeding mothers. Translations of these resources were funded through Multicultural Health Funding Program 2017-2018
Expecting a Baby
This brochure explains how women are at risk of bladder and bowel control problems during pregnancy and after childbirth. Find out if you are at risk and what you can do about strengthening weak pelvic floor muscles.
Incontinence Pelvic floor
Pelvic floor muscles help to control bladder and bowel function. This brochure explains where the pelvic floor muscles are located in women, what causes them to weaken and how regular pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen them.