Labor & Delivery

Labor and Delivery

After nine months of incredible growth and changes both in the mother and the fetus, labor (contractions of the uterus) may finally start, signaling the pending birth of the baby. Many women fear the prospect of delivering their child. Part of this fear may be attributed to the unknown, especially in first pregnancies. Instead, be proactive and consider discussing the following questions with your physician before labor begins:

Picture of a woman, distressed, in a hospital bed

When will labor begin?
How long will labor last?
How much pain is involved in delivering a baby?
Will the birth hurt the baby in any way?

Just as prenatal development occurs in several stages, so does the delivery of a baby. Listed in the directory below, you will not only find information regarding the different stages of labor, but also the importance of providing appropriate postpartum (also called post-delivery) care for the new mother and the newborn, for which we have provided a brief overview.

At the OSU Maternity Center at The Ohio State University Medical Center, we want to work with you to ensure that your expectations are met. That is why we encourage you to talk with your physician about any special preferences you may have about your birth. Deciding issues such as who will be present during labor and what methods of pain management you will use may ease your mind as you prepare for your big day.

In addition, when it comes to high-risk pregnancies and deliveries, we are prepared. We operate a Level III - the highest level - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which means we're qualified to handle deliveries with special cicumstances - like a birth of multiple babies. We're staffed with many specialists, including neonatologists, who specialize in newborn infant care. So, even if you're having a normal pregnancy, if an unexpected need should arise, you can rest easier knowing we''re prepared to handle it.

At the OSU Maternity Center, we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferences whenever possible. Before making the decision of where you will have your baby, take time to visit us and take a tour. Within our labor and delivery unit, we've made a special effort to focus on the smallest details because they make the biggest difference. Like soft, rounded corners, vaulted ceilings and oversized picture windows with scenic views of the OSU campus. It's as beautiful as it is functional.

To view photos or to take a virtual tour of the OSU Maternity Center's labor and delivery unit, click here. Or to see the OSU Maternity Center first hand, schedule a tour by calling (614) 293-5123 or toll-free at (800) 293-5123.