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It's Almost Time!

The Perinatal Center staff believe the family is the basic unit of society and that each is unique in its background and needs. We have developed a progressive program of family-centered maternity care based on the philosophy that families have babies - not just mothers.

This is why we encourage families to be together through all aspects of the birth process, from admission to discharge. At The Perinatal Center you are in control, and you always have a choice - in the method of delivery, the use of anesthesia, and the people you want with you during the delivery.

Your nurse can help you in limiting the number of family present if you are unable to be direct with someone you prefer not to have participate. The nurse and doctor must be respected if there is a need to limit the number of family present due to your unique circumstances. The Perinatal Center staff and your physician are pleased to share in your birthing experience, and will do everything possible to make this a memorable event for you and your family.

Advance preparation will help you to remain calm, so: be sure to have your hospital bag packed and ready to go; and make a list of your support people and their phone numbers (home, office, etc.) so it's easy to contact them when the time comes.  Call (432) 640-1780 to talk to an L&D nurse if you have questions.

It's Time!

The moment you have anxiously anticipated has finally arrived!  REMEMBER to notify your physician before leaving for the hospital; call your support people; and take your already packed suitcase.

Admission to The Perinatal Center

When you arrive at Medical Center Hospital to deliver your baby you should enter the hospital through the Emergency Department on the northeast corner of the hospital. You may conveniently park in the Emergency Department parking area located on the corner of 5^th Street and Washington; enter through the Emergency Department doors and follow the signs to registration. If you are being admitted for a cesarean delivery or induction of labor you should enter through the Outpatient Center entrance and proceed directly to Admissions for registration. Convenient parking is available in the parking garage, which is accessible on the corner of 4^th Street and Alleghaney, directly across from the main hospital entrance.

The Admissions Representative will locate your admission information in the computer. You will then be taken upstairs to Labor and Delivery. Your nurse will take your vital signs and ask for a urine specimen. A vaginal exam may also be performed to assess your cervical dilation. To monitor the baby's heartbeat and your uterine contractions, two fetal monitor transducers will be strapped to your abdomen. Of course, your doctor will be involved in the coordination of your care, and will detail any special instructions to The Perinatal Center staff.

Any admission forms or consents you did not complete from your Prenatal Packet will have to be completed at this time. Depending on your labor progress, an IV will be started -- unless your doctor specifies otherwise.

Visiting Guidelines During Labor

You may find your labor less stressful with the comfort and encouragement of friends and family. Depending on your stage of labor or your comfort level, visitors may be asked to wait in the Waiting Room.

Other friends and relatives may make short visits during your labor, but they must remain in your room or the Waiting Room (not the hallways, please). If you need help in limiting your visitors, please ask your nurse for assistance.

If your physician plans to deliver your baby by cesarean section, come to The Perinatal Center admissions area approximately two hours prior to your scheduled time.

A nurse will explain what to expect before, during, and after surgery. She will explain the procedure, discuss your care after delivery, do a health assessment, and complete all the necessary lab work needed before your surgery can be done. If you have completed your Prenatal Packet consents, this will speed up this process.

Please ask any questions or express any concerns you may have regarding your surgery at this time.

Since we deliver many babies each year, we've seen many families through the birthing experience. Our nurses are a valuable resource and may offer suggestions to make your labor more comfortable, such as relaxation exercises or various positions.

As labor progresses, your body changes in many ways. Your doctor and nurse will be carefully observing these signals, so they are properly prepared:

Fetal Heartbeat - Though there may be some temporary variations, normal heart rate is 110-160 beats per minute.

Uterine Contractions - When your uterus contracts regularly, it gradually opens the mouth of the womb, or cervix, allowing the baby to be delivered. Your nurse will want to know the length, intensity, and frequency of these contractions.

The Cervix - Your cervix must dilate, or open, to ten centimeters before your baby can fit to be delivered. Your doctor and nurse will also check the effacement (or thinning) of the cervix. The baby's station, or position of descent in the birth canal, will also be determined.

The Rupture of Membranes - The sac of fluid which protects the baby must be broken before delivery. Your water may break on its own, or be broken by your doctor. If nurses are unable to determine if the water sac has broken, they may test the fluid from your vaginal opening with nitrazine paper for confirmation.

"Bloody Show" - This is a normal vaginal discharge containing mucus and a small amount of blood, which usually increases during labor.

The Urge to Push - When your cervix is completely dilated (sometimes sooner) you'll feel the urge to push, which helps the baby pass through the birth canal. If you are using an epidural anesthesia, you may not experience this sensation.

Pain Relief Options

Every labor is unique, and every woman experiences discomfort in a different way. It's important for you to be aware of all your pain management options before you go into labor. Medical Center Hospital or your OB/GYN can provide you with a packet of information which includes an insert Anesthesia and Childbirth.  This provides more detail about these pain relief options.  Call (432) 640-1723.

The Delivery Process

As your body is preparing to give birth, preparations for delivery will be underway. Your vaginal area will be washed with an antiseptic soap, and urine from your bladder may be emptied using a catheter. Your abdomen and legs will be covered with sterile drapes, and your support person will be by your side . . . along with your doctor and nurses.

The doctor and nurse will tell you when to push. During delivery, your doctor may use a vacuum extractor or forceps to help the process.

Sometimes a small cut (episiotomy) is needed to enlarge the vaginal opening. If you are having an episiotomy, the area will first be numbed with a local anesthetic. Later, the incision will be closed with sutures that dissolve after about two weeks, and need not be removed.

Recovering Together

There is serenity in knowing you've done something truly wonderful. This is a special time for mother, father, and baby to recover together . . . a time of loving and bonding. If you plan to breastfeed, an ideal time to begin nursing your baby is within the first hour after delivery.

During the recovery process, your uterus, located in your lower abdomen, will be checked every 15 minutes and vital signs will be taken. We want to be sure you're on your way to a speedy recovery.

Mother-Baby Couplet Care

Within two hours after birth, the healthy Mother and Baby are transferred together to the postpartum unit down the hall from the LDRs. Mother and baby continue to receive care from one of the couplet care nurses who are trained in the care of both mothers and babies.

We believe families belong together for support and assistance. With "Mother-Baby Couplet Care" we can ensure better communication between the nurse, physician, and family. We are here for one purpose -- to help you and your new baby adjust and prepare for the weeks and months ahead.

Your baby will stay in your room with you so you can learn to recognize your baby's subtle cues that say, "I'm hungry; I'm wet; I need attention." A support person of your choice is encouraged to remain with you throughout your stay. Remember, the nursing staff is here to assist you with your care and your baby's care. Physicians make rounds and examine babies at the mother's bedside so you can learn about your baby and ask questions.

There are no hospital imposed visiting hours in the couplet care unit. However, we do encourage limiting visitors to two or three at any given time.

As you plan for this special moment and embark on a new adventure, you have a choice: A birth place as special as the moment. If you need additional information regarding Family-Centered Mother-Baby Care at Medical Center Hospital, please call (432) 640-1723.