Pregnancy & Delivery Questions
For questions about your pregnancy, your doctor is always the first person to ask. Many moms have questions about labor, the hospital and the new baby, which are answered in childbirth class. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
What kind of medications can I take during pregnancy?
What if I feel contractions early, before the baby is due?
How will I know this is real labor, not false labor?
If I want it, when can I get an epidural?
Can I change my mind about pain medicine or epidural?
Do I need an enema before going to the hospital?
What if there is an emergency and I need a Cesarean section?
Can my support person come to the operating room for a C-section?
How should I prepare for a scheduled induction or a C-section?
Do I have to have an episiotomy?
When is it time to go to the hospital?
Do I need to call the hospital first?
What if I go to the hospital too early?
What if the baby comes too fast and is born before I get to the hospital?
What forms will I sign and what are they for?
Do I have to have an IV and fetal monitor?
Can I eat or drink when in labor?
Do I have to stay in bed while I'm in labor at home?
What about at the hospital, will I have to stay in bed during labor?
Can I have visitors during labor?
I want to have my baby without an epidural or other kinds of pain medicine. Can I do that?
What about pain relief? When can I get medicine for pain?
What kind of medications can I take during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you may want to know what medications and herbal remedies are safe to take after you become pregnant. It is best to discuss your current medications with your doctor before you conceive. As soon as you know you are pregnant, inform your doctor, pharmacist, nurse midwife, mental health provider, and other health providers and discuss what medicines are safe for you to take.
If you are breast-feeding, some medications may pass into the breast milk and cause unwanted effects on your nursing baby. Check with your doctor about taking medications after the baby is born, as well.
What if I feel contractions early, before the baby is due?
During the first 37 weeks of pregnancy, you should call your doctor if you feel five or more contractions an hour, even if they don't hurt. Most women feel the baby's movement and contractions, or tightening of the uterus, throughout pregnancy. These contractions are often called false labor contractions because they don't lead to the birth of the baby. Most of the time, these contractions are normal, and help the uterus get strong in preparation for the work of labor. However, if you have regular contractions (more than five in one hour) and you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, you should call your doctor right away.
How will I know this is real labor, not false labor?
You are in true labor when your contractions are dilating, or opening the cervix; or when the amniotic membrane, your bag of water, breaks. The only way to know for sure is to go to the doctor's office or hospital where your cervix can be checked. When you are not sure, or have questions, call your doctor's office. Remember, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, if you feel regular contractions, or more than five in an hour, even if they don't hurt, call your doctor right away.
- If you think you may be in labor, pay attention to the nature of your contractions.
- When you are 37 weeks pregnant or more, watching and waiting is the best test. True labor won't go away, no matter what you do. False labor will eventually stop.
- Time your contractions, from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next. Write them down for about an hour.
- Look for a pattern. Are they consistently between 5 and 6 minutes apart, or is the time between contractions varied, first 5 minutes, then 2 minutes, then 10 minutes, then 8 minutes, for example? True labor contractions will develop a pattern, and over a few hours, get closer together and more uncomfortable - longer, stronger and closer together.
- Take a walk. True labor contractions usually become harder and stronger with activity. False labor contractions often go away or become much weaker with activity such as walking.
- How do contractions feel? True labor contractions most often start in the back, move to the front very low over your pubic bone, and then go away slowly, moving back. False labor contractions are often felt high and in the front; it may feel like the baby is balling up.
- Wait awhile. True labor will get stronger and more uncomfortable. False labor will go away or become less noticeable.
When can I get an epidural if I want it?
Epidural anesthesia is often used to relieve the pain of labor. You and your doctor will evaluate your condition and your discomfort before administering an epidural. For most, it is available soon after you ask for it. However, it will not be given as soon as you arrive at the hospital. The general guidelines are:
- You and your baby must be managing labor contractions well.
- You must have an IV in place and the required lab results must be verified by anesthesia personnel.
Can I change my mind about pain medicine or epidural?
Yes. Each labor is different. Being prepared means being ready to deal with your labor, however it feels. It's all right to start out with one plan and change your mind. Even if you're not planning on having an epidural, be sure you sign the epidural permission form anyway. It does not mean you will receive one, but will allow you to receive one in case you change your mind as your labor progresses. Your nurse and your doctor will help you know what's available.
Do I need an enema before going to the hospital?
The answer to this question differs from patient to patient and from physician to physician. Discuss the use of an enema with your doctor.
What if there is an emergency and I need a Cesarean section?
Your nurse is constantly aware of your contractions and how your baby is doing. She is talking regularly with your doctor. In case of an emergency, or when the decision is made that a Cesarean delivery will be needed, your doctor will explain the reasons. The operating rooms are in the Labor and Delivery area; the anesthesia staff, obstetrician and neonatology staff are available 24 hours a day, so C-sections can be performed at any time.
Can my support person come to the operating room for a C-section?
As long as mother and baby are doing well, most doctors allow your support person to be present for Cesarean delivery. When the support partner is not comfortable going into the operating room, when a medical emergency exists or mom has general anesthesia, the support person waits in the waiting room while the baby is delivered.
How should I prepare for a scheduled induction or a C-section?
If you have a scheduled induction or C-section, do not eat or drink after midnight before your appointment at the hospital. If you do, the procedure may be postponed.
Do I have to have an episiotomy?
An episiotomy is the cut the doctor makes to enlarge the vaginal opening. Many women, especially first-time moms, have an episiotomy. If you do not have an epidural, a numbing shot is given. After birth, the episiotomy is stitched closed. The stitches dissolve a week or so after birth. Talk with your doctor if you want to avoid an episiotomy.
When is it time to go to the hospital?
Ask your doctor first. The general rule for those more than 37 weeks pregnant is to go to the hospital when contractions are four to five minutes apart and have been steady for an hour, or when your water breaks.
Do I need to call the hospital first?
No, the Maternity Centers are open 24 hours a day, fully staffed and ready to care for you when you arrive.
What if I go to the hospital too early?
Early labor is the longest part of labor. For most, there is no need to be at the hospital during this time, unless your water has broken. If you come to the hospital in early labor, your doctor may send you home where you will be more comfortable. Spend this time resting, watching TV or a movie, taking a walk or other activities to help the time pass. Eat very lightly and drink plenty of fluids. Many women come to the hospital, only to be sent home, so do not be embarrassed.
What if the baby comes too fast and is born before I get to the hospital?
This is a common fear of expectant parents, but the least common complication. Most women have plenty of time to get to the hospital. If you discover the baby is arriving right away, call 911 for emergency assistance
What forms will I sign and what are they for?
See the permission form section for forms that you will sign will at the hospital.
Do I have to have an IV and fetal monitor?
The fetal monitor and IV are routine procedures for most patients. Many doctors believe it is safe for mother and baby to have an IV in place in case medicines are needed quickly, and the fetal monitor will ensure that the baby's condition is checked at all times. If either of these routine procedures concerns you, talk to your doctor before entering the hospital.
Can I eat or drink when in labor?
Most doctors recommend you stop eating when you realize you are in true labor. Eat and drink lightly if you think you may be in labor, as many women become nauseated and vomit during labor. It is important you get plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, so sip clear liquids or eat popsicles or ice during the early part of labor. When you are admitted to the hospital, the IV will allow fluids to be given directly, and ice chips are available if your doctor allows. The good news is most laboring women are not hungry.
Do I have to stay in bed while I'm in labor at home?
During the early part of labor when you will probably be at home, most women like to move around, walk, rock in a rocking chair, watch television or listen to music. Frequently changing positions and moving will help you stay comfortable and keep your labor moving. Remember, the baby is moving down, so positions such as standing and sitting up make it easier for the downward movement to occur.
Will I have to stay in bed during labor at the hospital?
When you are admitted to the hospital, the IV will be placed in a vein in your arm, and the fetal monitor will record your contractions and the baby's heartbeat. If your doctor allows it, and you and your baby are doing well with the work of labor, you may sit up in the bed, or on the side of the bed, or sit in a chair in your birthing room. Some mothers even like to stand beside the bed or walk around the room. While many women prefer to stay in bed once they arrive at the hospital, you may ask your nurse to help you find the most comfortable position.
Can I have visitors during labor?
With your doctor's approval, you may choose to have support people join you while in labor. A limited number of people are allowed in the birthing room. While hospital policy does not prohibit visitors during labor, you are encouraged to have only one or two support people there to help you. You may visit with friends and family after the baby has been born.
I want to have my baby without an epidural or other kinds of pain medicine. Can I do that?
Many women deliver babies without pain medicine. If you want to give birth without medication, it is important to prepare ahead of time and to learn some basic techniques that will help you during labor. Relaxation, controlled breathing and the help of a support partner are very important. Taking classes, watching videos and practicing will make these techniques helpful during labor.
What about pain relief? When can I get medicine for pain?
Most women do not need medicine for pain until labor has been going on for several hours. Before you can receive medicine for pain, your doctor must prescribe it.