Labour Ward (Obstetric Unit)

Women who have certain medical conditions, or a higher chance of developing problems during pregnancy and birth, will be recommended to have their baby on our labour ward. Your care in labour on the labour ward will be provided by midwives with obstetric, anaesthetic and paediatric doctors available when required. The labour ward has a maternity theatre available for caesarean births and other maternity procedures. The pain relief available on labour ward includes a birthing pool, gas and air, pethidine, remifentanyl and epidurals.

Advantages of Labour Ward	Considerations
Direct access to obstetricians if your labour becomes complicated Direct access to anaesthetists, who give epidurals and general anaesthetics There will be specialists in newborn care and a local neonatal unit if there are any problems with your baby	Low-risk women planning birth in an obstetric unit were more likely to have interventions such a forceps, ventouse, episiotomy or caesarean birth than women planning birth in other places.

Video: Having your baby in hospital

Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.