If you are having a hospital birth, chances are you’ll have to spend some time in either a “triage” room or have the nurses collect some baseline information from you in your hospital room before you are officially admitted. Here are some things you can do to make that process a little more enjoyable!

What is happening in triage/admittance? 

Your health care providers want to gather as much information from you as possible. In addition to asking you medical history questions, they will likely do the following:

  1. Hook you up to monitors to listen to baby’s heartbeat and to monitor your contractions. This involves wrapping two elastic belts around your belly and watching the data lines that appear on the computer monitor (see photo above). During this 30-60 minute process, ask if you can sit on a birth ball or peanut ball while they are monitoring you and baby. You could also ask to lay on your side or on hands and knees if strong contractions are keeping you from reclining.
  2. Drink something cold or with a little bit of healthy sugar like juice. This will keep your energy strong, and might help your baby be more active, which is what the providers are looking for. Typically once you are in the hospital, you are only allowed clear liquids so be sure to check with your healthcare provider what’s best for you.
  3. Relax! You will be having your blood pressure taken via an arm cuff, and it’s important to relax as much as possible. I know it’s exciting to be at the hospital, but keeping calm will help labor progress and hopefully keep your blood pressure under control. I like to remind clients to imagine they are on a beach or someplace peaceful.
  4. Depending on your provider, you may be given the option to go home if you aren’t dilated enough to be admitted. You should strongly consider this! Spending a little more time at home where you are comfortable will possibly help you avoid unnecessary procedures and medications.
  5. Go to the bathroom often. Sitting on the toilet is a great place to labor because it opens up your pelvic floor and forces those muscles to relax. It also gives you privacy while you’re allowing your baby to move down!
  6. When they go to take blood, put in an IV, or use a needle with you, look at another part of skin on your body. I read this once and it’s my go-to tip when I donate blood too. I wish I had a source to site, but it’s definitely worth a try!
  7. Remain positive and calm. You are always the one in control of your body and your baby. Before any medication or procedure is done, always take time to ask informed consent/informed denial questions. Hospital staff are almost always doing what they think is best for you and your baby. Working together as a team is beneficial for everyone!

I know there are many more tips out there! What is something that made triage/check-in easier for you?