Going ToThe Hospital For Labor.

I'm nervous about preparing to go to the hospital. What should I be concerned about?
Going to the hospital to have a baby can cause anyone a little nervousness, even an experienced mom. If you make some plans before you have to go, you'll have less to worry about.

Tour the labor-and-delivery area of your hospital a few weeks before your due date. You may do this as part of your childbirth-education class.
Ask about pre registering at the hospital.
Plan the trip; know who will take you, and have a backup person available.
Make a personal plan.
Pack your bag.

I've never had a baby before. What do I need to take with me to the hospital?
There are a lot of things to consider, but the following list should cover most of what you might need:

a cotton nightgown or T-shirt for labor
extra pillows to use during labor
lip balm, lollipops or fruit drops to use during labor
light diversion, such as books or magazines, to use during labor
1 nightgown for after labor [bring a nursing gown if you are going to breastfeed]
slippers with rubber soles
1 long robe for walking in the halls
2 bras (nursing bras and breast pads if you breastfeed)
toiletries you use, including brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner
hair band or ponytail holder, if you have long hair
eyeglasses (you can't wear contact lenses)
underwear and loose-fitting clothes for going home
sanitary pads, if the hospital doesn't supply them

What should I bring for my new baby?
The hospital will probably supply most of what you will need for your baby; however, there are a few things you should have ready:

clothes for the trip home, including an undershirt, sleeper, outer clothes (a hat if it's cold)
a couple of receiving blankets
diapers, if your hospital doesn't supply them
Be sure you have an approved infant car seat to take your baby home. It's important to put your baby in a car seat the very first time he or she rides in a car.

Do I need to preregister at the hospital?
It saves time if you register at the hospital a few weeks before your due date. It is wise to do this before you go to the hospital in labor because you may be in a hurry or concerned with other things.

How do I preregister at the hospital?
You will be able to preregister with forms that you receive from your doctor's office or from the hospital.

When I preregister, what do I need to know?
Take your insurance card or insurance information with you. It is important to know your doctor's name, your pediatrician's name and your due date. It is also helpful to know your blood type and Rh-factor.

If I am in labor, what can I expect once I get to the hospital?
After you are admitted, hospital staff will settle you in a labor room and check to see how much you have dilated. They will take a brief history of your pregnancy and note vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse and temperature. You may receive an enema, have your pubic area shaved or have an I.V. started. They will probably draw blood. You may have an epidural put in place, if you have requested it.

Will they be able to tell if my membranes have ruptured?
There are several ways to confirm if your membranes have ruptured.

By your description of what happened, such as a large gush of fluid from your vagina.
With nitrazine paper: Fluid is placed on the paper; if membranes have ruptured, the paper changes color.
With a ferning test: Fluid is placed on a glass slide, allowed to dry and examined under a microscope. If it has a "fern" appearance, it is amniotic fluid.

Does a woman always need to have her pubic hair shaved before the birth of her baby?
No. Many are not shaved these days. However, some women who chose not to have their pubic hair shaved later said they experienced discomfort when their pubic hair became entangled in their underwear due to the normal vaginal discharge after the birth of their baby.

Is an I.V. always necessary?
Not always, but it is necessary with an epidural. If you have chosen not to have an epidural, it is not always required. Most physicians agree an I.V. is helpful if the woman needs medications or fluids during labor or delivery or after delivery.

Can I refuse to have an I.V.?
Discuss this with your doctor before the birth of your baby. In some situations, an I.V. can save your life.

A friend told me that when she got to the hospital, she found out her doctor was on vacation and someone she didn't know was going to deliver her baby! Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening to me?
Talk to your doctor about this possibility. If your doctor believes he or she might be out of town when your baby is born, ask to meet doctors that "cover" when your doctor is unavailable. Although your physician would like to be there for the birth of your baby, sometimes it is not possible.