Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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We are very sorry for your loss
We understand this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. You may have lots of questions.
You might have been told that you will be offered medicine to start labour so your baby can be born.
We want to give you clear information about what will happen and what to expect. Please ask us if anything is unclear.
At Frimley Park Hospital, you will usually stay in our special bereavement suite near the labour ward.
- There is space for your partner or family to be with you.
- You will have your own bathroom.
If the suite is not available, you will still be cared for by the same midwives in a private room.
A senior doctor will talk to you about the safest way.
- Most parents have induced labour and give birth vaginally.
- A caesarean section is only done if there is a medical reason.
Stage One
- You will be offered a tablet called Mifepristone.
- You swallow it with water.
- This helps your body get ready for labour.
- After taking it, we check your blood pressure and then you can go home.
- You will come back 48 hours later at an agreed time.
If you feel unwell, have pain, bleeding or discharge, call labour ward triage: 0300 613 4527.
Stage Two
- When you return, you will be given a medicine called Misoprostol.
- It can be swallowed or placed in your vagina by a midwife.
- This medicine can take time to work, so you may need more doses.
- We will check you regularly during labour.
You can choose what feels right for you:
- breathing, relaxation, massage, and changing positions
- tablets or injections
- gas and air
- patient-controlled pain relief
- epidural if needed
It is usually possible to change from one method of pain relief to another during labour.
- A midwife will stay with you and support you throughout.
- We will talk about what position you would like to be in.
- We will remind you to drink water and go to the toilet regularly.
- If you want to rest, that is okay too.
We will also talk about your wishes for delivery, including:
- do you want to see your baby straight away?
- would you like us to dry, wrap, and dress your baby, or would you prefer to do this yourself?
Whatever you choose, we will support you.
After your baby is born, the placenta also needs to come out.
- Most of the time, this happens naturally.
- If it does not, we may need to do a short procedure called Manual Removal of Placenta (MROP) in the operating theatre.
- The anaesthetist will talk to you about pain relief before this.
It is normal to have some bleeding during labour, birth, and for a short time after.
- Your midwife will check your blood loss carefully.
- If bleeding is heavy, we may give you extra medicine.
- We will always tell you if we are worried.
You can see and hold your baby if you would like.
- Your baby can stay close to you at your bedside.
- We can give you:
- hand and footprints
- cot card and name bracelets
- a memory box to take home
- You can bath and dress your baby if you wish.
- You may bring clothes, blankets, or toys for your baby. We can provide these if you prefer.
Photographs
We encourage you to take your own photos of your baby.
We can also offer professional photographs for you to keep.
Our hospital chaplains are here for you at any time. They can arrange a blessing for your baby based on your wishes and beliefs. There is a baby memorial book in the hospital chapel. You may want your baby’s name written in this later.
Yes, it is possible to take your baby home.
Please tell us if this is something you would like, so we can support you.
You will be asked if you want to agree to investigations or a post-mortem.
- We will give you written information and time to ask questions.
- If you agree to a post-mortem, your baby will go to the Royal London Hospital and return to Frimley Park Hospital after the tests.
- This may take up to 3 weeks.
A post-mortem may not always find the exact cause of death, but it can:
- answer some questions
- rule out possible causes
- give information for future pregnancies
You will have an appointment with a consultant about the results 8–12 weeks after you go home.
You do not need to decide straight away. Your baby will stay at the hospital until you have made your choice, and nothing will happen without your consent.
Take time to talk together about your feelings and what you want for your baby.
Private Funeral Arrangements
If you want to make your own arrangements:
- contact a funeral director of your choice (your midwife can give you a list).
- you can choose cremation or burial.
- there should be no charge for the service.
Hospital Cremation Service
Our hospital chaplaincy team can arrange a funeral at Aldershot Crematorium.
- The service can reflect your beliefs and wishes.
- After cremation, your baby’s ashes can be returned to you or scattered in the woodland at the crematorium.
- The service is usually held within a month.
- Before you leave hospital, you will get a form to complete and return within 4 weeks once you have decided.
- A community midwife will visit you at home the day after you leave hospital.
- Bereavement midwives will also contact you and offer support and home visits.
- You will have an appointment with your consultant about 12 weeks after discharge to discuss what happened and any test results. You can bring a list of any questions you have.
We work closely with Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity). If you want to speak to other parents who have experienced baby loss, you can contact Sands. Their contact details are below.
Every year, the hospital holds a memorial service for families who have lost a baby before or after birth.
- It takes place on the second Sunday in May.
- For more details, you can contact:
- the bereavement team
- the hospital chaplain
- Sands representatives
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Maternity service.
About this information
Service:
Maternity
Reference:
M/027
Approval date:
1 March 2026
Review date:
1 March 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.