ABSTRACT
It is advisable for the mother and baby to remain in the midwife’s care, on the delivery suite, for 1 hour after delivery. If there are any deviations from normal wellbeing of the mother or the infant, then the obstetrician or paediatrician must agree transfer to the postnatal ward. The drug chart should be checked before transfer to the ward to ensure that analgesics, antibiotics, thromboembolism prophylaxis and other medication have been prescribed as required. The mother’s general wellbeing, pulse, BP and temperature should be recorded. Assessment of uterine retraction and vaginal blood loss should also be documented. Over-distension of the bladder could cause denervation and permanent damage to the bladder. Ensure that the woman has voided urine prior to leaving the delivery suite and document the time and volume of the first void. The placenta should be examined and the findings documented.
