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What to Expect at the Hospital

Labor & Delivery Triage

When you arrive at Labor & Delivery, our triage team is here to quickly assess you and your baby to determine the appropriate care. Triage ensures that every patient receives timely and safe attention based on their symptoms, stage of labor, or any complications. Our experienced nurses and providers will monitor vital signs, contractions, and fetal heart rate, and answer any questions you have before admission.

Admission Types

Whether you are arriving for a standard labor, an induction, or a cesarean birth, our team will guide you through each step.

  • Spontaneous Admission: Patients who go into labor naturally are admitted and monitored throughout labor and delivery.
  • Outpatient Induction: For patients undergoing outpatient induction, we provide clear instructions for outpatient management. After cervical balloon placement or oral misoprostol administration, you will return to the hospital at your scheduled induction time, or sooner if contractions intensify, membranes rupture, or other warning signs appear.
    • Always call Labor & Delivery Triage at 909-865-9713 with any questions.
  • Inpatient Induction: For patients undergoing inpatient labor induction, your OB provider will provide the induction time and date. Once you check into the hospital and are admitted, a cervical induction agent will be used to help induce labor, closely monitor your contractions and the baby, adjust medicines, and offer comfort options such as movement, breathing, IV pain medicine, or an epidural.
  • Cesarean Birth (C-Section): Our skilled surgical and nursing teams provide safe, supportive care for both planned and emergency cesarean deliveries.
  • VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean): Patients planning a VBAC are closely monitored by our experienced staff, ensuring safety and support throughout labor.

Labor Observation & Discharge Instructions

After your labor assessment, you may be sent home if your labor is not yet progressing. These instructions will help you understand what to watch for and when to return to the hospital for further evaluation. Following these guidelines helps ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

Understanding Your Labor Progress

During your exam, your provider may have measured your cervical dilation and noted the strength and frequency of your contractions. This information helps determine whether your labor is progressing as expected. If labor does not continue at home, it is important to keep your scheduled doctor’s appointment for ongoing monitoring.

When to Return to Labor & Delivery

Contact Labor & Delivery immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Contractions become stronger, closer together, and more regular
  • Your water breaks (rupture of membranes)
  • Decreased fetal movement or your baby is moving less than usual
  • Vaginal bleeding resembling a period (note: spotting or mucous after an exam is normal)
  • Severe, continuous headache
  • Sudden changes in your vision
  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Sudden weight gain of more than three pounds in one day
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
  • Any other concerning symptoms noted by your healthcare provider

Staying Comfortable at Home

  • Drink 10–12 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated
  • Track your contractions, noting how long they last and how often they occur
  • Follow any additional instructions provided by your care team

Confirmation of Understanding

Before leaving the hospital, you will review these instructions with your nurse. Your understanding of these guidelines is essential for your safety and the safety of your baby.

Preparing for Your Arrival

Having your birth plan, hospital bag, and any questions ready before arrival can help you feel focused and confident during what may be a chaotic time. Bring your completed Birth Partnership Form to help your care team understand your preferences for labor support, pain management, and comfort measures.

Labor Positions

Changing positions during labor can help your baby descend, reduce discomfort, and prevent fatigue. Upright positions like walking, squatting, lunging, and using a birthing ball can support labor progress and comfort.

For detailed guidance and illustrations, view our Labor Positions Flyer:

Labor Positions - English

Labor Positions - Spanish

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