Safe Childbirth — Labour Admission Checklist

16 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 30 min

A quick admission checklist to ensure safe, monitored labour care.

• Confirm patient identity and estimated due date

  Check ID, name, and expected delivery date against records or prenatal card.

• Check vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate)

  Record values and compare to antenatal baseline if available.

• Assess labour progress and contractions

  Note contraction frequency, duration and cervical status as clinically appropriate.

• Start and record findings on the partograph

  Begin charting progress to spot slow or obstructed labour.

• Monitor fetal heart rate every 15–30 minutes

  Use Doppler or fetoscope and document results.

• Establish IV access and collect baseline blood tests

  Place IV, check blood type and haemoglobin; crossmatch if indicated.

• Ensure oxytocin and emergency medications are available

  Confirm uterotonics, anticonvulsants and antibiotics are nearby and in date.

• Prepare clean delivery surface and sterile supplies

  Ready the area and equipment to maintain hygiene at birth.

• Lay sterile sheet and ensure a warm blanket is ready
• Arrange sterile gloves, cord clamps, scissors, and suction device

  Place supplies within easy reach of the birth attendant.

• Assign and brief the birth companion on how to support the birthing person

  Explain simple comfort measures and hand hygiene before contact.

• Discuss pain relief options and obtain informed consent

  Offer available analgesia and note the chosen plan in records.

• Check bladder and encourage voiding or catheterize if necessary

  An empty bladder helps labour progress and reduces complications.

• Prepare for active management of the third stage of labour

  Have uterotonic, cord clamps and trays ready for controlled cord traction.

• Clamp and cut the umbilical cord after 1–3 minutes unless immediate care is needed

  Delay clamping if the baby is stable; act immediately if resuscitation required.

• Document all admission findings, interventions, and notify senior staff if concerns arise

  Record times, observations, and any abnormal signs for handover.

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