Programme Seven
The miracle of new life is explored from the perspective of those who must deliver it in Desperate Midwives. No two births are ever the same and a typical shift on the labour ward of Derby City Hospital brings a succession of different cases for the staff undertaking one of the most rewarding jobs of all. BBC THREE spends a shift with the midwives for a no holds barred view of childbirth.

Expectant mum Joanne has been rushed into hospital with pre-eclampsia, a condition which could threaten the life of both mother and baby. She’s a month off her due date, so if the baby is delivered it will be premature. But if the baby isn’t delivered Joanne’s blood pressure could continue to rise and rise. Midwife Steph, and student midwife Kitty help the doctors make the difficult decision as to whether to send Joanne in for an emergency caesarean whilst having a manic night on the labour ward, juggling three mums.

Also on the labour ward is first-time mum Tricia. Tricia is already a week overdue and is given an induction to kick-start the labour. She can’t wait to have her baby in her arms, but her induction takes a mammoth 31 hours!

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