Signs for Labor
GUIDELINES FOR COMING TO THE HOSPITAL FOR LABOR
TO CALL US 24 hours a day dial 303-467-2800 or 303-424-6466.DURING THE DAY the phone nurse will speak to you and will direct you to come to the
office to be evaluated or they will direct you to the hospital, notifying
both the hospital and the doctor or midwife on call. AFTER 5 pm you will
reach the answering service who will take your information and page us. We
will return your call as quickly as possible. If you don not hear from us
within 15 minutes please call the service again. Sometimes we get given the
wrong telephone # or we are involved in a delivery.
THE FOLLOWING ARE REASONS TO CALL YOU DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE
1. If you think you are in labor.
2. If you are bleeding like a period.
3. If your bag of water breaks of leaks, even if you are not having
contractions.
4. If your baby does not move at least 12 times a day.
If this is your first baby, you should call when your contractions occur
every 3-5 minutes (count from the beginning of one to the beginning of the
next one), last at least 45-60 seconds, and have continued for 1 to 2 hours.
If this is not your first baby, call when the contractions have been 5-10
minutes apart for 1-2 hours.
These are general guidelines. If you have any questions about what is
happening, please call and ask to speak to your doctor or midwife.
When it comes time to go to the hospital, you may go directly to labor and
delivery on the 2nd floor. After midnight you will need to enter the
hospital through the emergency room. If the office is currently open, you
may be asked to go there to be evaluated before going to the hospital. This
can often say you time and a possible large hospital co-pay.
TRUE VERSES FALSE LABOR
As you begin to notice regular contractions, try changing your activity. If
you have been lying down, get up and move around. if you have been active,
lie down and rest. If contractions persist, try drinking more water and
take a warm bath or shower. If the contractions slow down or go away
entirely, it may be just false labor. If despite all your interventions,
the contractions continue to get longer, stronger and closer, please give
your doctor or midwife a a call.
PRE-REGISTRATION at the Hospital: If you have not already done so call
303-245-2929 to take a free tour and pre-register (Baby Business Class).
You can also down load the registration paperwork by going to
www.exempla.org and following the links to Lutheran pre-registration. If
you have not pre-registered bring your ID and insurance card with you to the
hospital.
Get excited to meet your baby or babies!!!!
Helpful Pregnancy Articles
How much weight do I need to gain during my Pregnancy?
(Weight Gain Chart)
When Does the Bag of Waters Break? (Volume 49, Number 5)
Am I In Labor? (Volume 48, Number 4)
Back Pain During Pregnancy (Volume 50, Number 5)
Eating Safely During Pregnancy (Volume 49, Number 4)
Group B Strep in Pregnancy (Volume 47, Number 6)
Pain During Childbirth (Volume 49, Number 6)
Perineal Massage in Pregnancy (Volume 50, Number 1)
Prenatal Tests for Birth Defects (Volume 49, Number 3)
Prenatal Tests for Down Syndrome (Volume 50, Number 3)
Postpartum Depression (Vol 47, Number 5)
Should I Have a Cesarean Section? (Volume 49, Number 2)
Taking Care of Your Health (Volume 51, Number 3)