ABSTRACT
The early stages of labour often take place at home and, unless a home birth is planned, the midwife’s input does not usually begin until admission to hospital, although community midwives are occasionally called out to assess the situation at home. Once admitted, the midwife will fully assess the situation, with observations, palpation, and monitoring of the fetal heart. If labour is considered to be established or there are some concerning features identified, then a vaginal examination is also carried out. The midwife should inform an obstetrician if she detects any significant abnormality.
