When it's time to give birth, what should you bring to the hospital? What will the experience be like? How long do you stay in the hospital after giving birth?
Here's everything you need to know about delivering your baby at UPMC, direct from our labor and delivery experts.
The final months of pregnancy are exciting and busy. You may have a lot more doctor's appointments and a strong nesting desire while also dealing with third-trimester pregnancy discomfort. There's a lot to do to prepare for life with a new baby and a lot to do to prepare for their birth and the hospital stay after childbirth.
Here are some key steps to prepare for labor and delivery:
You may need to stay at the hospital before your due date if you develop certain pregnancy complications.
Common reasons for hospital admission during pregnancy include:
During this time, you'll get tests to monitor your health and your baby's health. These tests include ultrasounds and fetal heart rate monitoring.
You may also need medicine, including:
It's a good idea to pack your hospital bag for your labor and delivery stay when you're 30 to 35 weeks pregnant. That way, you'll be ready if your baby comes early or you need to go to the hospital for complications. Keep a list of last-minute items to add to the bag (like your photo ID).
Include the following documents in your hospital bag:
You will likely stay at the hospital for at least two nights, so pack toiletries that are part of your daily routine, like:
You should also pack items to help make your labor more comfortable and your stay more enjoyable.
Consider adding the following comfort items:
You'll also have a newborn to consider. Your hospital will supply some items, like diapers and formula, if that's your preference. But you may prefer to bring other items, like swaddles or baby wipes.
Add the following items for your little one:
If you plan on nursing, you may want to bring a few extra items. Nipple balm can help ease soreness. Gel patches can help your nipples heal between feeds. A nursing pillow can help with positioning.
You can also purchase any breast pump supplies and bottles at the hospital, should you need them.
When you have labor symptoms, call your obstetrician's main line so they can prepare for your arrival. When you arrive, you'll check in and be escorted to your labor and delivery suite. If you've preregistered, the check-in process will be quicker.
Your care team will support you throughout your labor and delivery. You can also have up to two support people, plus a doula if you wish.
You may be able to walk around for the first part of your labor and use the facilities, like your private shower. Depending on your stage of labor, you may not be able to eat, but you can request water or ice chips.
After the birth, you can hold your baby right away as long as the baby doesn't require medical care. You can also breastfeed at this time, if you like, and get one-on-one support from UPMC's lactation consultants. UPMC's newborn nursery staff and state-of-the-art NICU will be ready if your baby needs medical care.
Your care team will weigh your baby and assess their overall health. They will give your baby a vitamin K injection to prevent bleeding and an eye ointment to prevent infection.
All newborns also get a blood test to check for certain health problems. This involves a prick of the heel that only hurts for a moment. A hearing specialist will also visit you and your baby a day or two after the birth for a quick and pain-free hearing screening.
If your baby doesn't require NICU care, they can sleep in a bassinet in your room. There is also space in your suite for your support person to sleep on a fold-out sleeper chair or couch.
Nurses will visit periodically to check on you and your baby and help you with newborn care. You can call a nurse or lactation consultant anytime using your call button.
You'll likely stay in the hospital for:
Your hospital stay may be longer if you develop any health problems, such as excessive post-birth bleeding or an allergic reaction to pain medicine. Your care team will want to monitor your health to make sure it's safe for you to go home.
When it's time to go, a hospital staff member will check that your baby is safely buckled in their car seat. Your nurse will give you a folder or booklet with information.
Your booklet will include:
Your nurse can explain your discharge instructions and answer any questions you have about childbirth recovery and newborn care.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends two visits with your obstetrician after you give birth. The first follow-up visit happens within the first few weeks of your hospital stay. The second one usually occurs around six weeks after you give birth.
During these visits, the doctor should ask about your physical and emotional symptoms. They will check your blood pressure and make sure you're recovering well from birth. They may examine your incision if you had a C-section or an episiotomy.
Your obstetrician can also help you with any challenges you're facing. These may include breastfeeding challenges, postpartum depression, bladder issues, and more. They can provide advice and treatment and connect you to resources in your community.
You should wait to have sexual intercourse until after your six-week follow-up visit. Your obstetrician can also provide birth control options.
A pediatrician will see your newborn in the hospital in the days after birth. Call your pediatrician while in the hospital to schedule a visit after you're home. Your baby should see a pediatrician or family doctor two to three days after you come home from the hospital.
If you're concerned about your baby's health for any reason, you can take them to the doctor's office or emergency department earlier. You can also call your child's doctor's office or labor and delivery for advice or if you have any questions.
During their well-baby visits, the pediatrician will weigh them, examine them, and ask you about feeding, sleep, and more. They will get vaccines at most appointments. The doctor will answer any questions you may have and provide support. Before you leave, your doctor will book the next visit.
Your baby will need routine check-ups at:
Whether you have a vaginal birth or C-section, it takes about six to eight weeks to physically recover from childbirth. Learn more about how long it takes to recover from vaginal delivery from UPMC HealthBeat.
While your physical recovery takes just under a couple of months, your emotional recovery may take longer. You may notice the effects of fatigue and changing hormones for up to a year after giving birth.
If you experience symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Support groups, individual therapy, medicine, or a mix of these treatments can help you feel like yourself again.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-09-05.
