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Preparing
Delivery
You are in the home stretch! We often think of the due date as when the baby will arrive, but the baby might arrive much earlier! It’s good to start planning for delivery as you begin your third trimester. ​
To Do
List
By the End of the Second Trimester:
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Register at your delivery hospital (you will need the name of the baby’s doctor)
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Choose a doctor for the baby (PAMF Newborn Navigator)
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Sign up for prenatal or newborn classes. See list below
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Discuss disability and family leave benefits with your employer
By the End of the Third Trimester:
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Order a breastpump through your insurance
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If you are having a boy, decide if you would like him to have a circumcision
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Know when to call the doctor and when go to the hospital
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Review your birth preferences with your provider
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Pack a bag. See recommended items.
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Sign up for a Birth Center Tour or Orientation at your birth hospital
Register at your Delivery Hospital
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We recommend that you register at your delivery hospital by at least 26-28 weeks gestation in case you deliver the baby early.
Stanford Children’s Hospital Registration
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Prenatal Classes
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Sutter offers many in-person and virtual classes to help understand pregnancy and prepare for your new baby. We also offer post-delivery support as well.
Newborn Care Class– What to expect the first few days of life
Fourth Trimester Parent-Baby Group (via zoom)
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When to Call the Doctor
Labor usually begins between 37 and 41+ weeks of pregnancy. Call the office (650) 596-4240/after hours at (650) 321-4121 or Stanford L&D (650) 723-5403 if you have any of the following symptoms:
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IF YOU GO INTO LABOR: Strong regular contractions every 5 minutes lasting for 1 minute for 1 hour (the 511 rule). If you have history of fast labor, live remotely, or have a scheduled C-section, call earlier.
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IF YOUR WATER BREAKS: You may have a gush of fluid or a slow trickle. If unsure, try wearing a pad. If the fluid is green, brown, or red, or tested positive for GBS, call.
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BIG DECREASE IN FETAL MOVEMENT: There is a gradual slow down of movement after 36 weeks, this should not be sudden. If sudden change occurs, trying drinking water/eating to see if the baby responds. If you feel less than 8-10 movements in 1 hour, call.
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BRIGHT RED BLEEDING: The bloody show may come as a little spotting alone, or passage of a large glob of mucous with or without blood mixed in, or a continuous mucous discharge. As long as the bleeding is minimal, you can wait until you have strong regular contractions every 5 minutes for 1 hour to call. If bleeding is heavier, certainly if it is like a period, call right away.
Birth Plan
What is a birth plan and do I need one?
A birth plan is a written outline of what you would like to happen during your labor and after the birth of your baby. This plan is a means to communicate your wishes to your obstetrician and the care team. The plan can include who you want with you during labor, whether you want pain medications, or if you want music or the lights dimmed. You can include anything you think will make your labor and birth more comfortable for you.
Whether or not you need a birth plan is your choice. Some families find it helpful to think through different options in advance of delivery. With or without a written plan, our obstetric team communicates with you throughout labor and will discuss with you decisions to be made. The number one priority is your health and the health of your baby.
Packing for the hospital
You can find great lists online for reference. Here’s a few items we suggest:
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flip flops/slides
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toiletries (for you and partner)
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a pillow (if you want one from home)
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comfortable pajamas (nice to have elastic waist pants in case of a surgical delivery) and top that is button down for easy breastfeeding
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breastfeeding tank top or bra (no wire)
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outfit for your baby to go home in
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phone chargers
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anything else that you personally want
The hospital will have baby wipes, diapers, swaddling blankets, hats, bottles/formula (if needed), and t-shirts for your baby.The hospital also has breast pumps for you to use.You can leave yours at home.
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Delivering at Stanford Children’s? Take a peek at this.
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Preterm Delivery
A term pregnancy takes about 37-40 weeks to complete. Babies born before
Preterm Labor Precautions before 34 weeks:
Call the office (650) 596-4240/after hours at (650) 321-4121 or Stanford L&D (650) 723-5403 if you experience any of the following warning signs of preterm labor:
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An increase or change in the amount of vaginal discharge. It is normal for vaginal discharge to increase in pregnancy. However, if you experience a sudden increase of discharge, especially watery or bloody or mucous discharge, this may be a sign of preterm labor.
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An increase in pelvic, low abdominal, rectal, vaginal pressure.
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Abdominal cramping which persists for >1 hour despite hydration or rest.
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False labor contractions are called Braxton Hicks that feel like mild tightening of the abdomen, lasting 30 seconds to 1-2 minutes that should resolve with rest and hydration.
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Ruptured membranes: If your bag of water breaks, you will feel a gush of clear, watery, odorless fluid from the vagina which may be clear or blood tinged.
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If you have any of these symptoms, call the office right away or go to Stanford L&D.