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Arriving At The Hospital: What Happens Next?

© Jaime Warren

Labor is eagerly anticipated, planned and prepared for months before the event actually begins. Many expectant mothers have visions of spontaneously going into labor and rushing into the hospital moments before delivering. However, many find that this scene plays out a lot differently than they had imagined.

It is important to plan ahead for the hospital arrival, and pre-register. Most hospitals and birthing centers offer tours of their facilities, and, allow expectant parents to pre-register then. Pre-registering means that expectant parents can bypass the front desk and go straight to the maternity ward. This of course means that the laboring mother can get to her room quicker. However, if the expectant parents have not pre-registered, some hospitals will allow the parents to go straight to the maternity ward without the hassles of paper work.

If there are any forms to be filled out, the maternity ward staff will inform the expectant parents. Most forms can wait until after the birth. Most hospitals allow the mother to go straight to her labor and delivery room or suite after any paper work has been situated. However, some hospitals require laboring mothers to wait in a room called the triage room until active labor is confirmed by the nurse or a doctor.

Most hospitals require that dilation reach three to four centimeters before the laboring mother can be admitted. If dilation is close, the labor and delivery nurse may have the mother walk around to help speed up the progress of labor and strengthen the contractions. If dilation is not far enough along and the contractions are not frequent enough, the expectant mother may be sent home to labor there.

Once in a room, a labor and delivery nurse will check vitals, including blood pressure, temperature and pulse. The nurse may also check for dilation. The nurse will ask a short list of questions about the length of contractions and the time between as well as if the bag of waters has broken. If admitted, a gown will be issued and blood and urine samples will be taken. Some hospitals immediately administer an IV in case any fluids are necessary. Depending on how far dilation has progressed, an epidural or other medication may be administered.

Labor is an exciting and exhausting event. Pre-registering can make arriving at the hospital easier and less frustrating. Expectant parents should remember to approach any concerns or questions freely, and to enjoy this exciting time!

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