What to expect during childbirth Obstetrics and Gynecology

What to expect during childbirth Obstetrics and Gynecology Department

What happens when I arrive at the hospital? • Will I have my own doctor? • How often will he/she be there? • Do I need an IV? • What monitors are used? • How often will I be monitored? • Can I eat and drink during labor? • Can I bathe or shower during labor?

Rupture of membranes • If my water breaks at home, when should I go to the hospital? • How is an Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM) done? • What are the advantages and disadvantages of AROM?

External Cephalic Version • Used to turn a breech baby • Use an ultrasound and then use hands to turn baby • Typically stay turned

Fentanyl • 1 -2 hours of relief • Time frame for receiving medication – not after 8 cm • Advantages • Fast acting • Takes the edge off • Ability to change positions in bed • Disadvantages • • Nausea Vomiting Dizziness Short acting • Side effects for baby if given after 8 cm • Could be sleepy • Difficulty breathing • Difficulty sucking

ISN • 2 -3 hours of relief • Disadvantages • Time frame for • Not ideal for first time mom (short receiving medication acting). – Active labor • Side effects for mom • Advantages: • • • Nausea Vomiting Urine retention Itching Blood pressure drop • Possibly able to move some during labor • Quick acting • Feels the urge to push • May not need a bladder catheter • Side effects for baby • Minimal risks

Epidural • Time frame for receiving medication– Active labor. • Advantages • Allows for rest • Already in place for a Csection • Long lasting • Can provide complete pain relief or adjust levels to allow mom to feel the urge to push • Disadvantages • May not be 100 percent pain relief • One sided • Side effects for mom • • Nausea Itching Blood pressure drop Spinal headache • Side effects for baby • Minimal risks to baby

General anesthesia • Why would we use this? • Your doctor and/or anesthesiologist will provide a complete list of risks and benefits

Inductions • What are the reasons for an induction? • What are not reasons to have an induction? • How early in pregnancy can induction be done? • How many weeks overdue can I go before induction can be done or discussed? • What are the risks?

Augmenting or inducing labor • What is the difference? • AROM • Pitocin • Prostaglandins • Foley bulb

Operative delivery • Forceps • Mighty Vac

C-section • What are some reasons to do a C-section? • Can I refuse or delay if baby seems to be doing OK? • What pain medications or anesthesia are used? • Can my support person be in the surgery with me?

What happens after the C-section? • Where will I recover and how long will I be in the recovery room? • Can baby be in recovery with me? • • • Can support person be in recovery with me? When can I see, hold, and do skin to skin with baby? Can I breastfeed in recovery? What will pain management be post-surgery? What should I expect in the hours and days following surgery? • Pain, bleeding, incision care, limitations as far as lifting/driving, discharge criteria, etc.

General C-section questions • Can delayed cord clamping be done during a C -section? • What doctor takes care of me in the hospital after baby is born? • Can we photograph and video the birth? • Can I wear contacts during labor? • Can I wear jewelry, piercings, or rings during labor?

Any Other Questions? • Delayed Cord Clamping