Women's Services
Pre-Registration
Pre-registration is required before your admission for delivery. All registrations should be completed prior to the 28th week of pregnancy. Pre-registration may be completed online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does labor take?
How will I know when labor starts and when it’s time to go to the hospital?
How long will I stay in the hospital?
What should I pack for my hospital stay?
How can my labor coach support me during labor?
What if my baby requires special care after delivery?
What if I have complications?
I am scheduled for a cesarean delivery. What procedures do I follow?
I am scheduled for a cesarean delivery. Should I shave my surgery area before I arrive?
How long does labor take?
All births are unique. An average first-time labor takes 15 to 19 hours as the uterine contractions cause the opening of the womb, the cervix, to thin out and open up. The thinning out process is called effacement, and the opening up process is called dilation. Stage I labor ends in complete dilation at ten centimeters. Stage II generally lasts from one to two hours, beginning at complete dilation and continuing until the baby is born, when you push during the contractions. Stage III begins with the birth of the baby until the delivery of the placenta, or afterbirth. It is the shortest stage, lasting only 15 to 20 minutes.
How will I know when labor starts and when it’s time to go to the hospital?
It’s best to follow the guidelines you and your doctor have agreed upon for coming in to have your baby. In true labor, your contractions become more regular, getting stronger and closer together. They may increase in frequency and intensity as you walk around. As labor contractions cause the cervix to soften and begin to dilate, you will have a pink, slightly bloody mucous discharge from the vagina, which is called “show”. You should plan on coming in to the hospital if your water breaks. Rupture of the amniotic membranes may occur as a gush of fluid or as a trickle of water from the vagina. Always give your doctor a description of this fluid, including the color. It is usually clear but can be white or green-tinted.
How long will I stay in the hospital?
Your hospital stay will last from 24 to 48 hours after a vaginal delivery. If you have a cesarean section, your stay could last 3 to 4 days. In normal deliveries, your obstetrician will discharge you and a pediatrician will discharge your baby before you leave for home. It’s best to have your baby’s doctor picked out by the last trimester of your pregnancy. For assistance in identifying a pediatrician, call 713-222-CARE.
What should I pack for my hospital stay?
Below are some suggestions for things you’ll need during your hospital stay.
- Nutritious snacks for your coach
- A labor bag for your labor and delivery
- Lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste
- Warm socks
- A hair band or ribbon
- Contact lenses and glasses
- Bathrobe and slippers
- Mildly scented or unscented massage oil or lotion
- Phone numbers, note pad and pen or pencil
- A limited amount of money for parking, meals and snacks
- A focal point to aid in concentration during labor (photo or artwork with special meaning)
- Two tennis balls in a tube sock to use as counter-pressure back support
- A baby book for your newborn’s footprints (some dads like the footprints on a T-shirt)
- Camera or video recorder with film and batteries
- A hand fan
- Music
- Light reading, a deck of cards or other forms of entertainment
- A suitcase for your after-delivery stay (leave this in your car until after the birth)
- Nursing bra
- Comb, brush and hair dryer
- Shampoo and deodorant
- Cosmetics
- Comfortable clothes and shoes to wear home
- A change of clothes for your partner
- For your baby
- A T-shirt and outfit to wear home, with socks or booties
- Two light baby blankets
- A warm baby blanket if the temperature outside is cool
- An infant car seat (review your owner’s manuals for the car seat and your automobile to make sure the seat is properly installed)
How can my labor coach support me during labor?
A labor coach knows you better than anyone and plays a very important part in helping to care for you. Coaches help through positive encouragement and by offering comfort measures. Your labor coach should plan on staying by your side to help you stay focused. Your coach can massage your hands or feet to help you relax, cheer you on, help you change position often and remind you to take one contraction at a time.
What if my baby requires special care after delivery?
All of our nurses are specially trained and prepared to meet emergencies. If your baby needs special care, outstanding neonatal intensive care is available within the hospital.
What if I have complications?
Through our affiliation with The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and a team of highly-qualified independent practitioners, we have a team of healthcare professionals available for care and support throughout your hospital stay. We are available to care for your full spectrum of healthcare needs from high-risk pregnancy care to unexpected complications.
I am scheduled for a cesarean delivery. What procedures do I follow?
It is important to follow all of your doctor’s pre-operative orders and to bring copies of your prenatal records and laboratory reports with you to the hospital. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. If you are monitoring your blood glucose levels, continue to monitor those as usual. If you take medication, ask your physician about what you should or should not take.
I am scheduled for a cesarean delivery. Should I shave my surgery area before I arrive?
Many pre-op patients ask this question and the answer is “no, you should not.” It is important for you to bathe the night before and wash the skin thoroughly with an antibacterial soap such as Dial or with the skin cleanser Hibiclens if directed to do so by your doctor.