When should I go to the maternity ward?

Call before you go to the maternity ward.

That way, they can be prepared for your arrival.

The midwife (barnmorska) you speak to will be able to give you advice. Sometimes it is better to stay at home for a while longer.

Where do I call?

You can find maternity wards throughout Sweden here. The information is in Swedish.

You can call the 1177 helpline if you are not sure which maternity ward to contact. The nurse answering the helpline can speak both Swedish and English. Help is sometimes available in other languages.

Call +46 771 11 77 00 if you are calling from a phone with a foreign number.

If you go to a midwifery clinic, they will give you information on where to call.

The maternity ward of your choice may be full. In such case, you will have to go to another one.

You may need to go to the maternity ward if any of the following apply:

• The contractions are regular and very painful. The contractions come 2–3 minutes apart.
• Each contraction lasts about one minute.
• You have given birth previously. In such case, labour may progress more quickly.
• You must travel a long way to get to the maternity ward.
• Amniotic fluid has come out of your vagina. This is especially true if the fluid smells bad, and is brown or brownish.
• There is blood coming out of your vagina.
• You have pain all the time.
• Your contractions are not severe, but have been going on for a long time. You may need medicine to help you rest and regain your strength.

At the maternity ward, you will be seen by a midwife.

If your labour is well underway, you will be examined.

The midwife may, for example, examine inside your vagina to see how much your cervix has opened.

You may need to go home again if the midwife thinks it will be a while before the baby is born. This is common.

Here are some tips on what you can do at home:

• Rest and take it easy.
• Eat and drink to keep your energy levels up.
• Use medicine containing paracetamol if you are in pain.
• Use massage and heat if you are in pain. For example, you can take a hot shower.

You do not need to bring anything with you to the maternity ward. They have everything that you need there.

But many people pack a bag with a few of their belongings.

Here are some examples of what you can bring with you:

• clothes for you and the baby
• something good to eat
• toothbrush, hairbrush and other hygiene items.