Having a positive and healthy labor and delivery experience can be empowering, helping set the stage for a joyous and vibrant postpartum period for new moms.  You can be a champion for your own birth experience by being informed, prepared, and creating a plan.

Below are some common procedures during labor and childbirth.  Collecting knowldge can help you have meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider before delivery and lead to making the best choices for you:

Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM):  EFM is a procedure used to monitor the baby’s heart rate and how it changes with the mother’s contractions. Some EFM is done continuously and may prevent movement during labor. Ask about your delivery center’s policy and what your healthcare provider thinks will be most beneficial to you and your baby.

Episiotomy:  This is a surgical incision made at the opening of the vagina – at the perineum – during childbirth to prevent vaginal tearing. It used to be used routinely. The Mayo Clinic offers advice on their website about when and when not to have an episiotomy. Ask your healthcare provider what their philosophy is on this procedure.

Bed rest (restricted movement):  Requiring a laboring woman to remain in bed used to be fairly common, but research indicates it may result in poor quality contractions and prolonged labor. If you typically like to move around a lot, it may be helpful to talk to your provider and/or delivery center about their policies.

Frequent vaginal exams during labor:  Vaginal exams during labor help the doctor to determine cervical changes and how well labor is progressing.  Frequent vaginal exams – typically considered to be seven or more – may put both the mother and baby at risk for infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about what to expect.

Cesarean surgery: Some deliveries, for a variety of reasons, do result in Cesarean surgery.  It’s a good idea to be prepared for this and informed about what a Cesarean birth involves and how it will affect your recovery. Talking to your provider about the likeliness of a Casarean for you, who and when that could be determined, and what to expect if it happens can go a long way to minimizing anxiety on delivery day. Read more here.

Asking questions, keeping open communication with your healthcare provider, and  creating a birth plan that feels right to you are important steps for creating the childbirth experience you want and deserve.