In the Labor and Delivery Room

When you go in to the hospital to deliver your baby, walking in to the labor and delivery room can be a shocker. If you do not know what to expect in a delivery room, read on to find out! Most hospital delivery rooms are equipped with large machines, tubes, canisters and other types of equipment to assist in the birth of a baby. Becoming knowledgeable and comfortable with the equipment that will be used during a routine delivery can help a new mother concentrate on delivering her baby.

First, you will see a birthing bed. The bed will look like a regular hospital bed and for most of your labor, it will act as just that. A bed. However, when it is time for you to actually push your baby out, the bottom of the bed breaks away to allow for easy delivery. Stirrups are popped out and there is a space for the doctor to sit and "catch" your baby.

There are usually additional places for visitors to sit. A couch and birthing chair are usually present and sometimes the couch will transform into a bed. TV's are generally mounted on the wall or placed in an entertainment center. The remote is normally clipped to the birthing bed.

There will be a large machine that will monitor the baby's heartrate and contractions of the mother. There are straps belted around your abdomen that measure the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions. Usually, the monitors are connected to the central nurses station so that nurses can monitor several laboring women at once. An alarm will sound at the nurses station if fetal distress is noted.

An electronic vital signs monitor may be kept in your room also. Sometimes, a nurse or nurse technician will come around with the vital signs monitor and add to your record. The machine monitors your heart rate, temperature, blood pressure and oxygen level.

An IV infusion pump will remain by your side during labor and delivery. If you decide to walk the halls of the hospital during your labor, your IV pump will go with you. This pump delivers and monitors fluids and medicines that may be needed during labor and delivery. Antibiotics, pain medications, pitocin and hydrating fluids can all be administered through the IV.

The epidural pump may be kept in a cabinet until it is ready to be used. The epidural is actually injected into the back, but a thin tube extends from the injection site to the pump. This makes it easy to administer additional doses of medication that automatically come out at timed intervals.

Most hospitals have a tool table that is brought out when delivery is close. For the most part of labor, the table is covered and all tools are packaged in sterile packages. However, when delivery is imminent the table is uncovered and the tools will be taken out of the package.

There is a newborn warmer in each delivery room. This is where the baby will go after delivery. A blanket, hat and onsie are avaialble for the new baby. Heat lamps are there to help the baby regulate their body temperature. Oxygen tanks are also available for the newborn if it is needed.