What to Expect on Delivery

You’ll start by entering the hospital’s labor and delivery room, Beautiful home ideas you can use a nurse will change you into a super-stylish hospital gown and hook up a fetal monitor (to check baby’s heartbeat and your contractions) and a blood pressure cuff (to check your blood pressure). If it’s your first pregnancy, your doctor may swab your cervix to confirm it’s really time for labor to begin.

Once you’re in active labor, you’ll probably have to ask for pain relief — and a catheter (to empty your bladder). Contractions become stronger, closer together, and last 40-60 seconds. You might also feel pelvic pressure or your water break, but these aren’t always indicators that it’s time to deliver.

Your doctor will ask you to push gently a few times to help your baby come out and to deliver the placenta. Mild contractions continue after baby is born, and your healthcare team might massage your abdomen to help the uterus contract and stop bleeding.

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Once your baby is delivered, nurses will put her on your chest for some skin-to-skin contact. If your baby isn’t breathing or has any problems, she’ll be placed in a radiant warmer to keep her warm and allow nurses to perform tests and checks. If she’s healthy, you’ll be able to hold her for about an hour or two before nurses take her away again.