What is labor and delivery?
Labor and delivery is the process of giving birth to a baby. It is a complex process that involves the cervix opening, the baby moving down the birth canal, and the placenta being delivered.
What are the stages of labor and delivery?
Labor and delivery is divided into three stages:
Stage 1: This stage begins with contractions that cause the cervix to dilate (open). Contractions may start slowly and gradually become more frequent and intense. Stage 1 can last anywhere from 6 to 12 or more hours.
Stage 2: This stage begins when the cervix is fully dilated, and the baby begins to move down the birth canal. Stage 2 can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
Stage 3: This stage begins after the baby is born and continues until the placenta is delivered.
What are the different types of delivery?
There are two main types of delivery: vaginal delivery and cesarean section (C-section).
Vaginal delivery: Vaginal delivery is the most common type of delivery. During a vaginal delivery, the baby is born through the vagina.
Cesarean section: A C-section is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen. C-sections are sometimes necessary if there are complications with the pregnancy or labor.
Where does The Iowa Clinic deliver babies?
There are many great options when it comes to delivering your baby in Central Iowa. The Iowa Clinic delivers at MercyOne West and Methodist West. There are many benefits to delivering at Methodist West Hospital or MercyOne West including large, private birthing suites, on-site neonatal nurse practitioner and 24/7 anesthesia for C-sections and epidurals, just to name a few. Below we have outlined the hospitals where we deliver, along with information we hope you find helpful when deciding which hospital is best for you.
Methodist West Hospital
There are many benefits to delivering at Methodist West Hospital, including:
- Large, private birthing suites for every patient, allowing new families to stay in the same room through the duration of their stay
- All deliveries are attended by a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from Blank Children's Hospital
- Every room is beautifully decorated and include a whirlpool tub for use in early labor, and post-partum, flat screen TV, pull-out couch for family and friends, Wi-Fi and room service for meals
- 24/7 anesthesia for c-sections and epidurals
- Serene environment that is focused on you and your new baby with the nursery located just steps away from your room
- If your baby needs additional care not available out West, both you and your baby will be transferred to Iowa Methodist Medical Center at no additional cost
MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center
The MercyOne Women & Infants Care Center is available for pregnancy above 32 weeks and offers:
- Private labor and delivery rooms and private postpartum recovery rooms
- State-of-the-art cesarean-section operating suites
- 24/7 anesthesia for C-sections and epidurals
- A four-room Level II neonatal intensive care unit
- In-house neonatologist
- A newborn nursery
What happens after delivery?
After delivery, you and your baby will be monitored for bleeding and other complications.
You will also be taught how to care for your baby, including breastfeeding and diapering.
If you have any questions or concerns about labor and delivery, please talk to your doctor.