Ethan Rhodes
In the United States, hospitals are the most common place for women to give birth, with 98.4% of births taking place in a hospital setting. The experience of giving birth in a hospital varies depending on factors such as the hospital's level of care, staffing, maternal-fetal status, local values, culture, and resources. The process of labour and delivery typically involves three stages: early labour, active labour, and delivery of the placenta. During early labour, the cervix dilates to about 6 cm, which usually lasts 6–12 hours. Active labour is when the cervix fully dilates to 10 cm, and this can last 4–8 hours. During this stage, the mother may feel the urge to push. Once admitted to the hospital, the mother changes into a hospital gown and is assigned a labour and delivery nurse. The mother's pain management preferences are considered, and she may opt for medication or non-medicated methods such as walking, showering, or taking a bath. Throughout labour, nurses monitor the baby's heart rate and the mother's contractions. After birth, the mother and baby typically stay in the delivery room for about two hours to ensure the baby's transition and the mother's recovery before being taken to a postpartum room.
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What You'll Learn
Admission and check-in
When you arrive at the hospital, you'll check in at the labour and delivery desk. It is recommended that you only bring one person with you to the triage room, which is part of the admission process. If your contractions are strong and your cervix is changing, you'll be admitted. If not, you may be sent home. During this time, the patient's clinical history and current condition are assessed.
From the triage room, you'll go to the labour, delivery, and recovery (LDR) room, where you'll change into a hospital gown. A labour and delivery nurse will be assigned to you—they're your point person as you progress through labour. The nurse will periodically put monitors on you to check the baby's heart rate and your contractions.
The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of delivery you have. Typically, you'll stay in the hospital longer if you have a C-section, which is a surgical procedure. You may also need to stay longer if there are any complications or health issues during delivery.
After the baby is born, mother and baby typically stay in the delivery room for about two hours to ensure the baby is transitioning well to life outside the womb and that the mother is doing well, with no excessive bleeding and stable vital signs. During this time, the baby is weighed, and an Apgar score is taken.
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Pain management
If you are planning a vaginal birth, you may want to consider non-medical pain management options, such as walking, taking a shower or bath (if your hospital has tubs), or using a birthing ball to help you deal with the pain. These options can be especially useful if you are choosing to go medication-free or would like to delay an epidural.
If you decide to have an epidural, you will be assigned a labour and delivery nurse who will be your main point of contact throughout the process. They will periodically put monitors on you to check the baby's heart rate and your contractions, and they can also provide updates on your progress and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
For those who have a scheduled C-section or require an emergency C-section, pain management options may differ. It is important to discuss these options with your healthcare provider beforehand to ensure you are comfortable with the plan.
Regardless of the type of birth you have, it is normal to feel a range of emotions, including excitement and nervousness. Remember that every birth is unique, and it is important to prepare for the unexpected.
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Labour progression
Labour and delivery is a complex process that can vary from person to person. Here is a detailed guide on what to expect during labour progression in a traditional hospital birth:
Stages of Labour
Labour can be divided into three stages, starting with regular contractions and ending with the delivery of the placenta. The first stage of labour can be further divided into early labour and active labour. During early labour, the cervix dilates to about 6 centimetres, which typically lasts six to 12 hours. Active labour is when the cervix fully dilates to 10 centimetres, and this can last four to eight hours. You may feel the urge to push during this stage.
When to Go to the Hospital
You may go into labour spontaneously or through medical induction at a hospital. During early labour, you can typically remain at home, but it is recommended that you go to the hospital during active labour. Once your contractions are consistently five minutes apart for at least one hour, or if your water breaks, contact your care provider or the hospital labour floor.
Hospital Admission Process
Upon arrival at the hospital, you will check in at the labour and delivery desk and be directed to a triage room as part of the admission process. Here, a healthcare professional will evaluate your condition, including the strength of your contractions and changes in your cervix, to determine if you are in active labour and should be admitted. If labour hasn't progressed enough, you may be sent home.
Once admitted, you will change into a hospital gown and be assigned a labour and delivery nurse who will support you throughout your labour. The next steps depend on your personal preferences for pain management. You may opt for medication or choose to wait before receiving an epidural. Some women prefer to walk around, take a shower, or relax in a bath if available to cope with the pain.
Throughout labour, nurses will periodically monitor your contractions and the baby's heart rate. Remember that it is perfectly acceptable to adjust your pain management plan as labour progresses. The length of your hospital stay will depend on the type of delivery and any health considerations. Typically, a longer stay is expected for C-sections or if there are any complications.
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Post-birth recovery
Initial Post-Birth Monitoring
After giving birth, the mother and baby typically remain in the delivery room for about two hours. During this time, healthcare providers closely monitor both individuals. They ensure that the baby is transitioning well to life outside the womb, with stable vital signs and no immediate health concerns. The baby is weighed, and an Apgar score, which assesses the baby's health status, is obtained. Meanwhile, the mother is monitored for excessive bleeding and stable vital signs.
Transfer to Postpartum Room
Following the initial monitoring period, the mother and baby are usually transported via wheelchair to a postpartum room. Here, they can rest and continue to be observed by healthcare staff. This period allows for early bonding between the mother and baby, and the mother's uterus gradually relaxes.
Length of Hospital Stay
The duration of the hospital stay can vary depending on the type of delivery and individual circumstances. Generally, a longer stay is expected if a C-section is performed or if there are any complications or health issues during delivery. On average, a first birth may result in a hospital stay of 12 to 24 hours, while subsequent births typically shorten the stay to 8 to 10 hours.
Pain Management and Support
Follow-up Care
Once discharged from the hospital, new mothers often require ongoing care and support. This may include follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor their recovery and the baby's development. It is important for new mothers to have access to resources and support systems to ensure a smooth transition into the postpartum period.
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Leaving the hospital
Postpartum Room
After delivery, you and your baby will be moved to a postpartum room, usually by wheelchair. This is where you will recover and bond with your baby. The length of your stay in the postpartum room can vary depending on the type of delivery and any health considerations. Typically, a C-section or any complications may require a longer hospital stay for monitoring.
Monitoring and Care
During your stay in the postpartum room, healthcare providers will monitor you and your baby's health. They will check for any abnormal bleeding and ensure your baby is transitioning well to life outside the womb. Your baby will be weighed, and their vital signs will be monitored. This is also a time for you to start bonding with your baby and learning their cues.
Discharge Process
When you and your baby are ready to be discharged, there will be some paperwork to complete. The hospital staff will provide you with instructions for your continued recovery and any follow-up appointments that may be needed. Make sure to ask any questions you have about caring for yourself and your baby once you leave.
When it's time to leave, you'll need to have your baby securely strapped into their car seat, as per safety regulations. You may also want to bring any belongings you've accumulated during your stay, such as any gifts or personal items. It's a good idea to have someone with you when you leave to help with any last-minute tasks or emotional support.
Follow-up Care
After leaving the hospital, it's important to continue with any recommended follow-up care. This may include postpartum check-ups for yourself and regular paediatric appointments for your baby. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your recovery and your baby's development. Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare providers if you have any concerns or questions during this time.
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Frequently asked questions
Before going to the hospital, you should preregister by providing insurance information and filling out paperwork. You should also pack your hospital bag.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will check in at the labour and delivery desk. You will then be taken to a triage room, where you will change into a hospital gown. A labour and delivery nurse will be assigned to you.
During labour, nurses will periodically put monitors on you to check the baby's heart rate and your contractions. You may walk around, take a shower or bath, or opt for medication to manage pain.
After giving birth, you and the baby will stay in the delivery room for about two hours to ensure the baby is transitioning well and that you are both healthy. The baby will be weighed, and you will then be taken to your postpartum room.
The length of your stay depends on the type of delivery and whether there are any complications. Typically, you will stay longer if you have a C-section or experience health issues during delivery.
