Childbirth

Hostpital Procedures Upon Arrival

Once you are at the hospital and fill out all the paperwork, unless you were smart and did this beforehand, your attending caretaker will ask you questions regarding the events that lead to labor, such as did your water break, how far apart are the contractions, etc… You will have your vital signs checked and written down and the baby's heart tones and heart rate will be checked. This will show the stress that the baby is under due to childbirth. You will also have to answer a few more questions concerning when you last ate and how much. Be sure at this time that you let your attending physician know exactly who you wish to be in the labor and delivery room with you.

Next, you will be given a vaginal exam, unless there may be a possibility of infection or other complications. During the exam, he will check the position of the baby, the dimensions of your pelvis, and the dilation and effacement of your cervix. He may ask for a blood or urine sample to check for protein. He may also ask that you take an enema or have all of your pubic hair shaven; if you do not wish for either of these, you can ask why they are necessary, not all hospitals use either of these procedures today.

Normally, if you are in labor a fetal monitor will be attached around your abdomen. This is to keep track of the baby's heart rate. The fetal monitor has two belts that hold two small instruments. You will be able to watch the heart rate on a machine close to your bed.

If your water breaks, it is possible that a small electrode will be placed through your vagina so the baby can be monitored even closer. There are many doctors, which prefer to use this method to ensure they know the exact moment a baby may be trouble.

Once you are ready for delivery, you may be moved into another room, which is called the delivery room, or in some hospitals, the labor and delivery room are one in the same. You will not be allowed any food and only ice chips until after your baby is born. The is only because sometimes eating can cause nausea during labor and you do not wish to be vomiting while you are in labor.