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Labor and Delivery

Labor and delivery are the final stages of pregnancy in which the uterus contracts and the baby is born.

Recently Answered Questions

How will my baby respond after birth?
1 Expert Answer
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by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
Some babies breathe as they are being born, and look pink immediately. Others are still and respond well if you rub their backs until they are breathing in a regular, sustained way. Healthy babies are usually able to clear their own airways of fluid and mucus. If a baby's breathing is a little difficult at birth, or there is a lot of mucus, gentle suctioning may be helpful. In these cases, midwiv...
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When will the provider cut the cord?
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by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
After birth, your baby is still attached by the umbilical cord to the placenta inside you. There's no medical reason to cut it immediately. In hospitals, many providers cut the cord as soon as the baby breathes. Let your provider know what you want. If you wait until the cord stops pulsating, the baby receives up to 50 milligrams of iron to add to her or his reserves, which helps prevent anemia. ...
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What are maternity care interventions?
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by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
Maternity care interventions, such as artificial inductions of labor (use of drugs or techniques to try to start labor), episiotomies (cutting to enlarge the vaginal opening), epidurals (a kind of anesthesia), and cesarean sections (surgical deliveries) can improve health outcomes and even save lives. Yet, far too often, these interventions are used routinely on healthy women who are at low risk ...
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Do direct-entry midwives arrange for medical back-up?
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by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
Direct-entry midwives may or may not have established relationships with individual physicians and/or emergency rooms. It is important to carefully explore the issues of medical backup and emergency care with your provider, because you may need to arrange for a physician or hospital backup yourself.
What to consider when selecting a hospital for giving birth?
1 Expert Answer
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by Boston Women's Health Book Collective
If you are considering giving birth in a particular hospital, look at its Website and/or go on a tour to find answers to the following questions: What kind of anesthesiology and pediatric coverage does the hospital offer? Does it have a blood bank available? What is its registered-nurse-to-patient ratio? What is it in active labor? What percentage of births at the hospital are cesarean deliv...
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What kind of health care providers care for women during pregnancy?
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by Dr. William D. Knopf
Health care providers that care for women during pregnancy include: Obstetricians (OB) are medical doctors who specialize in the care of pregnant women and in delivering babies. OBs also have special training in surgery so they are also able to do a cesarean delivery. Women who have health problems or are at risk for pregnancy complications should see an obstetrician. Women with the highest risk...
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What places can I choose to deliver my baby?
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by Dr. William D. Knopf
Many women have strong views about where and how they'd like to deliver their babies. In general, women can choose to deliver at a hospital, birth center, or at home. You will need to contact your health insurance provider to find out what options are available. Also, find out if the doctor or midwife you are considering can deliver your baby in the place you want to give birth. Hospitals are a ...
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What are the pros and cons of a homebirth?
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by Dr. William D. Knopf
If you are thinking about a homebirth, you need to weigh several pros and cons. The main advantage is that you will be able to experience labor and delivery in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Since there will be no routine medical procedures, you will have control of your experience. The main disadvantage of a homebirth is that in case of a problem, you and the baby will not have immed...
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What are the things to be done before I go for my delivery?
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by Dr. William D. Knopf
Before you reach the last few weeks of pregnancy, you should take care of a few last minute to-dos. This way, you won't have any loose ends to deal with when you go into labor. Use this checklist to help you get ready. Visit the hospital or birthing center. Make sure you know how to get there, where to park, and where to check in. Find out if you can preregister so that your insurance informati...
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How will I know about my water break?
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by Dr. William D. Knopf
It is not always easy to know. If your water breaks, it could be a gush or a slow trickle of amniotic (AM-nee-OT-ihk) fluid. Rupture of membranes is the medical term for your water breaking. Let your doctor know the time your water breaks and any color or odor. Also, call your doctor if you think your water broke, but are not sure. An easy test can tell your doctor if the leaking fluid is urine (...
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