2.1 Assessing the Well-being of the Woman during Labour

Where the onset of labour is spontaneous women themselves usually initiate care, either by sending for their birth attendant or by making arrangements to be admitted to a health facility. The attendant’s responsibility for assessing the most appropriate care at the outset of labour has already been addressed, and the importance of support throughout labour is discussed below. Wherever birth takes place the establishment of good rapport between the woman and her caregiver is vital, whether or not they have met previously. The quality of welcome extended to a woman who seeks institutional care may well determine the level of trust which she and her family feel able to put in her carers.

Throughout labour and delivery the woman’s physical and emotional well-being should be regularly assessed. This implies measuring of temperature, pulse and blood pressure, checking fluid intake and urine output, assessing pain and need of support. This monitoring should be maintained until the conclusion of the birthing process.

The assessment of the woman’s well-being also comprises attention to her privacy during labour, respecting her choice of companions and avoiding the presence of unnecessary persons in the labour room.