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We support your involvement in planning your birth experience, and we encourage you to talk with your physician and with our staff as you make those plans.
Here you'll find general information about OhioHealth maternity labor and delivery services.
Visit our virtual maternity tours.
Birthing options
Here are a few common questions about options during labor we receive from parents-to-be:
In what positions may I labor?
As long as you and baby are healthy, you will be encouraged to move around during labor. Walking is helpful to keep your labor progressing. Changing your position frequently, such as rocking in a rocking chair, showering and turning from side to side, will help with your comfort. Your nurse will provide support during labor to keep you comfortable. During your pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider about activity during labor.
I'd like a natural, drug-free delivery. But if I change my mind during labor, will you allow me to have some pain-relief medications?
Each mother is assessed individually during her labor. If you feel the need for pain relief, we will help meet that need, based upon your condition and your physician's orders.
Is a water birth an option?
Grant Medical Center is the only hospital in Columbus to feature a water-filled laboring tub to provide the comfort of water therapy for mothers in labor.
Must I use the fetal monitor?
Together, you and your healthcare provider can decide the length of time to use the fetal monitor. When you are admitted, a fetal monitor will be used to determine the well being of your baby. The external monitor is used only for a short time and then as your doctor orders.
Do I need to have an IV (intravenous set-up) during labor?
Your healthcare provider may recommend an IV to provide fluids and medications. For women who elect to have an epidural, an IV is required. Discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to labor.
Will I have my perineal area shaved and have an enema?
No, shaves and enemas are no longer given when mothers-to-be are admitted. Please ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
Labor induction
Sometimes, if labor hasn't started on its own, a doctor may induce labor. This can occur, for example, when you are 41-42 weeks gestation (if your cervix is ready for labor or if continuing the pregnancy could be harmful to you or your baby).
Every pregnancy is unique, and you should consult with your doctor about the best course of action for you if you're overdue in delivering your baby.
If you are being induced, please call Labor and Delivery one hour before your scheduled appointment to assure we have a room ready for you.
- at Grant's Maternity Center, please call Labor and Delivery at (614) 566-9241.
- at Doctor's Maternity Center, please call Labor and Delivery at (614) 544-1007.
- at Riverside's Maternity Center, please call Labor and Delivery at (614) 566-5388.
We may ask you to wait a little longer before leaving for the hospital, but this will allow you to remain comfortable at home as long as possible. Then you can go right to your room upon arrival.
Pain relief
Whether you choose natural comfort measures or medications for pain relief, we want you to know that we support this very personal decision and are here to help you have the best birth experience possible.
Cesarean birth
Sometimes, a surgical delivery of your baby is necessary. This is called cesarean birth. Obstetricians, anesthesiologists and specially trained nurses are on hand 24 hours a day to meet these needs.
If you require a cesarean birth, your baby will be born in the surgical delivery area of the labor and delivery unit. Doctors and nurses will monitor your condition after birth in the nearby recovery area.
In most instances, your partner is permitted to join you during a cesarean birth. You and your physician should discuss this prior to your labor. The anesthesiologist has the ultimate decision regarding your partner in the OR.
Neonatal Special Care Unit
Most babies are born perfectly healthy. However, for babies with special needs, we offer exemplary services.
The highest level of care is available 24 hours a day in the Nationwide Children's Hospital Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) located in Riverside, Grant, Doctors and Dublin Methodist hospitals. Nationwide Children's NICU serves as a hospital within a hospital. It is staffed with nurses who have extensive training in newborns with special needs. The physicians (neonatologists) working on the unit are on the medical staff of Nationwide Children's Hospital.
For more information, and to see pictures of our Newborn Intensive Care Unit, take a tour of the Riverside Maternity Center online, the Grant Maternity Center online and the Doctors Maternity Center online.
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