What to Expect When You Get to the Hospital
The big day has finally arrived. Whether it is the onset of contractions, rupture of membranes, or a scheduled cesarean section, you are now en route to one of the most important events of your life. If you are like many expectant mothers, you have spent the last several months preparing for the big day. You have been diligent about your prenatal care. You have lovingly prepared your home for the new addition to your family. You have made arrangements with your job. Yet, despite all your preparation, you may still find yourself having feelings of anxiety regarding what will actually happen once you arrive at labor and delivery.
One of the most important things that you can do prior to the big day is to visit the obstetric unit at which you plan to deliver. Most offer tours of the facilities, which are usually conducted by the labor and delivery staff. Before the tour, prepare a list of questions that address issues that you feel will contribute to a positive birth experience. Use this time to become familiar with the philosophy of the labor and delivery staff. This way, you can ensure that you have chosen the best hospital to deliver your child.
Regardless of where you deliver, all labor and delivery units have one mission, and that is to have a healthy mother and child at the end of the delivery. It is a responsibility that all of the professionals in labor and delivery hold in the highest regard. Everything done during labor and delivery focuses on achieving this goal.
There are several key personnel with whom you will have contact during labor and delivery and each has a specific role. Here’s what you can expect from each:
Secretary/Registrar — These individuals will most likely be the first people with whom you have contact upon arrival. They will welcome you and obtain clerical information; record your name, physician’s name and your insurance; and obtain your room assignment. (Some facilities have a pre-registration process. Check with the unit at which you plan to deliver for more information on this issue.)
Nursing Staff — Once in your room, the next person that you will encounter is the nurse who has been assigned to help you through the course of labor and delivery. Your nurse will usually start with an admission assessment to make sure all necessary medical details are addressed. She will also verify your prenatal course, take your medical history, and check your cervix. It is at this time that the fetal monitor will be placed on your abdomen in order to evaluate your contractions and the baby’s heartbeat. Finally, the nurse will communicate with your physician. After the official business has been taken care of, please be sure to utilize the nurse’s knowledge. She is there to be your advocate and to provide education and support.
Anesthesiologist/Nurse Anesthetist — At some point during your labor and delivery process, pain management will become important. Your physicianmay make the medical decision to proceed with an epidural. If so, you will meet this individual.
House Physician — Most labor and delivery units have twenty-fourhour physician coverage. This physician is there to be of assistance in the event that medical attention is needed prior to the arrival of your private obstetrician. This is an important element of quality obstetric care. Ask about emergency coverage when you visit the labor and delivery unit at which you plan to deliver.
Your Obstetrician — You will become very familiar with this individual during the course of your prenatal care. During labor and delivery, your private obstetrician takes full responsibility for the coordination of your care and the health of your child.
This overview should help ease some of the anxieties you may have regarding labor and delivery. There are as many scenarios to the labor and delivery experience as there are expectant mothers. The important point for you to realize is that there are trained professionals to help you through every step. We all want you to have a memorable experience, and we all want mother and child to be healthy in the end.