Expecting Mothers
Pregnancy is an exciting time in any woman’s life. Natividad is here for you throughout your journey, providing health care, support, and resources. We always provide family-centered care, and want you to feel informed and empowered to make the choices that are best for you. We hope you will find the information below helpful.
Birth Plan Worksheet
A birth plan is a written list of your preferences to be used as a guide for how you would like your labor, delivery and newborn care to be done.
Completing a birth plan worksheet gives you a chance to think about and discuss with your caregiver how you would like your baby’s birth and care to be handled. While you cannot control every aspect of labor and delivery, a printed document gives you a place to make your requests clear. Just remember that you will need to be flexible in case something comes up that requires your birth team to depart from your choices.
Having a written birth plan informs your birth and newborn team — such as your labor and delivery nurse — about your preferences when you are in active labor.
Read and print out our birth plan worksheet and bring it to the hospital with you.
Download the birth plan worksheet >
Choosing a Pediatrician
Before your baby is born, you will need to choose a pediatrician. A pediatrician specializes in the development and care of babies and children. They handle everything from wellness check-ups, vaccines and minor injuries, to cold symptoms, ear infections and fevers. This person will be your baby’s main health care provider throughout their childhood.
If you haven’t chosen a pediatrician for your baby, ask your primary care doctor, friends or family for recommendations.
Once you’ve gathered a list of possible pediatricians, consider doing some research or asking the doctors some questions in person before making a final decision. Here are some good questions to get the conversation started:
- How long have you been in practice?
- What is your medical education, training and certification?
- How are after-hours and emergencies handled?
- How are telephone questions handled?
When to Come to the Hospital
Do you know when you should head to the hospital? If any of these things happen, it’s time to come to the hospital:
- If your water breaks (a gush or trickle of fluid)
- If you are having contractions that are 5 minutes apart and lasting 60 seconds or longer
- If your baby is not moving or moving less than normal
- If you are having bright red bleeding from your vagina
If you think you are in labor or have any concerns, please come directly to Labor & Delivery on the second floor. For questions, call Labor & Delivery and speak with a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (831) 755-6226.
Learn more about what to bring to the hospital >
What Will Happen During Your Stay
You made it to the hospital with everything and those contractions are kicking in. What next?
- A monitor will be placed on your stomach to check your baby’s heart rate and your contractions
- A vaginal exam will be done to see if you are dilated and check if your water has broken
- An ultrasound may be done to check the position of your baby or to check how much fluid is around your baby
- If you are in early labor, the nurses may have you walk the halls for an hour or more; and then recheck your cervix
At this time we can make further decisions about your care. You may continue to stay or be discharged home until a more active labor is established.