Labor Birth

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By now, you probably have your baby’s name picked out—or at least narrowed down to a select few—and the little outfit he or she will go home in. No doubt you’ve been eagerly and anxiously waiting for this moment: it’s delivery day!

Before you head to the hospital, make sure you have your overnight bag, your birth plan and a pediatrician to notify when your baby is born.

How will I know if I’m in labor?

When you’re given a due date, it’s only an estimate; no one knows exactly when your baby will come. However, there are some telltale signs for when you’re in labor and when you should head to the hospital:

Bloody show – A small amount of mucus, slightly mixed with blood, may be expelled from the vagina.
Contractions – Contractions, or uterine muscle tightening, that occur less than 10 minutes apart are usually a sign that labor has begun. They’ll become more frequent and severe as labor progresses.
Rupture of the amniotic sac – Labor sometimes begins when your “water breaks,” or when amniotic fluid gushes or leaks from the vagina. If this happens, go to the hospital immediately and contact your doctor or midwife.

If you’re not sure whether you’re in labor, call your healthcare provider.

See signs of preterm labor.

Tell the difference between real labor and Braxton-Hicks contractions.

What are my options for pain relief during labor and delivery?

Depending on your preference, your health, your baby’s health and your doctor or midwife’s recommendation, you have three general types of pain management:

Nonmedicated measures – Techniques to promote comfort and relieve stress, such as breathing, meditation, imagery and movement. This approach is also known as natural childbirth.
Analgesics – Medications, such as meperidine, to relieve pain, commonly used with very few complications.
Anesthesia – Medications that cause loss of sensation, such as a local block or epidural anesthesia.

What can I expect during birth?

Delivery can happen either vaginally or by cesarean section (C-section). No matter which way your baby comes into the world, your care team will keep an eye on your vital signs and your baby’s heart rate to head off any complications and support you both on a very special birthday!

What should I bring to the hospital?

While we provide some supplies, such as hospital gowns, socks and mesh underwear, you may feel more comfortable wearing your own clothes and using your personal toiletries.

Where should I go when I get to the hospital?

Where you need to go depends on your individual situation, your chosen hospital's policy and the time of day you go into labor!

In some cases, you'll come through the main hospital entrance and the staff at the front desk will direct you to the labor and delivery ward. This may be the case day or night. In other cases, you might arrive after hours and you'll enter through the emergency room at some of our facilities. From there staff will direct you to, or transported you to, where you need to go.

If you aren't sure of the process, be sure to ask when you take a tour of your chosen hospital.

Once you get to the maternity ward, head for the nurses' station to get checked in and finish up necessary paperwork.

You can take advantage of our Pre-registration process and get much of the paperwork out of the way early!

Don’t forget to bring a list of medications and supplements you’re taking, a photo ID and proof of insurance.

What should I know about insurance and billing?

Contact your insurance company about your maternity stay and newborn coverage. If your insurance requires a copayment, you’ll be asked to pay that when you’re admitted.

What amenities are in the birthing rooms?

All our hospitals are dedicated to providing new moms, dads, and baby the utmost care along with maternity amenities.

All our facilities feature access to warm and relaxing private rooms. Additional amenities can include:

Aromatherapy
Birthing ball
Post-delivery massages
Refrigerator
Room service
Sleeping accommodations for partner
Soaking tub
Television
Wireless internet

Schedule your childbirth tour at one of our hospitals to learn what amenities are available at each of our unique facilities.

If your family and friends plan to be at the hospital when you break the big news, they can wait with you in your room or in comfortable family waiting areas.

If you have a scheduled or unexpected cesarean section, operating rooms are nearby to deliver your baby as quickly and safely as possible.