Labor and Delivery
Services: Labor and Delivery
Labor and Delivery
Our board-certified obstetricians are highly skilled and experienced in handling all aspects of childbirth. We will do everything we can to ensure that the experience is as unique as possible while taking all necessary safety precautions.
By understanding the typical sequence of events, you will be adequately prepared when the time comes.
We are offering comprehensive labor and delivery care for expectant mothers.
How to Tell When Labor Begins
What changes should I watch for?
Specific differences may signal that labor is beginning. These changes include:
- Lightening
- Loss of the mucus plug
- Rupture of membranes
- Contractions
You might or might not notice some of these changes before labor begins.
How will I know whether to call my provider or go to the hospital?
Call us if you think you are in labor (or are not sure). You should go to the hospital if you have any of these signs:
- Your water has broken, and you are not having contractions.
- You are bleeding heavily from the vagina.
- You have constant, severe pain with no relief between contractions.
- You notice the fetus is moving less often.
How should I plan my trip to the hospital?
Before labor begins, you can do the following:
- Determine how far you live from the hospital and how long it will take to get there.
- Rehearse going to the hospital to get a good sense of how long it might take.
- Consider traffic, rush hour, and possible delays on the regular route.
How will I be able to tell the difference between “false” labor and “true” labor?
Usually, “false” contractions are less regular and not as strong as “true” labor. Time your contractions and note whether they continue when you are resting and drinking water. If rest and hydration make the contractions disappear, they are not true labor contractions. Below is a summary of some differences between actual labor and false labor. But sometimes, the only way to tell the difference is by having a vaginal exam to find changes in your cervix that signal the start of labor.
Timing and frequency of contractions:
- True labor contractions come at regular intervals. They have a pattern. As time goes on, they get closer together. Each lasts about 60 or 90 seconds.
- False contractions do not have a pattern and do not get closer together. These are called Braxton Hicks contractions.
Change with movement:
- True labor contractions continue even when you rest or move around.
- False contractions may stop when you walk or rest. They also may stop with a change of position.
Strength of contractions:
- True labor contractions steadily get stronger.
- False contractions are weak and do not get much stronger. They may start strong and then weaken.
Location of pain:
- Pain from true labor contractions usually starts in the back and moves to the front.
- Pain from false contractions usually is felt only in the front.
Meet Our Hospitalist Team
Michele Johnson
MD, FACOG
Jordana Reina Fernandez
MD, FACOG
Our entire team is dedicated to you
We Help You Navigate Healthcare Decisions With Confidence
We Have Decades of Medical Experience and Providing Compassionate Care.
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What Our Patients Say
What an exceptional experience! I have never been to a nicer medical office. Ever! I was let called in after a second of completing my check in and everyone was so very nice. I wish i knew the name of the assistant that answered all our questions, she was very nice and informative. Don’t hesitate ladies!
The staff and everyone I met on the care team were extremely warm, kind, and knowledgeable. Although visit times are short, they made sure to explain everything thoroughly and made sure I understood. Even though they spoke quickly (lots of info to share in a short 15 minute slot) I never felt rushed or dismissed. I highly recommend this location and especially Dawn.
