Pregnancy / Newborn

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it called morning sickness? Mine lasts all day!
2. How did I gain 60 pounds when the baby only weighed 6 pounds?
3. Can I have a regular delivery if I've already had a C-section?
4. Why is prenatal education so important?
5. Can participating in prenatal fitness be helpful to my baby?
6. What is pre-admitting and when should I do it?
7. Where should we go when we arrive at the hospital in labor?
8. I want my mother with me in the delivery room. Is that allowed?
9. What are the guidelines for visiting a laboring mother?
10. I'm a grandmother-to-be and I'll be anxiously awaiting the birth of my new grandbaby in the waiting room. How soon after the birth will I be able to visit the new parents?
11. What are the postpartum room arrangements?
12. Can my baby stay in the room with me?
13. What is the phone number I share with family and friends who wish to check on the birth of my baby?

1. Why is it called morning sickness? Mine lasts all day!
Nausea and vomiting with pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night; sometimes it lasts all day long. It begins to lessen after a few weeks and usually disappears around the end of the first trimester.

2. How did I gain 60 lbs. when the baby only weighed 6 lbs.?
The weight gained during pregnancy is distributed throughout the body. The average baby weighs 7 1/2 pounds, increased fluid volume accounts for approximately 4 pounds, the uterus gains about 2 pounds, the amniotic fluid averages 2 pounds, breast enlargement accounts for another 2 pounds, and the placenta will be about 1-1/2 pounds. Maternal stores (fat, protein and other nutrients) will be an average of 7 - 10 pounds, most of the weight over the 26 to 29 pounds gained during pregnancy will be added to these maternal stores. At delivery you will lose the weight of the baby, amniotic fluid and placenta. The additional weight will be lost slowly over the next several weeks to months.

3. Can I have a regular delivery if I've already had a C-section?
In the past it was felt that once a woman had a C-section, all later deliveries would be a Cesarean also. Today it is quite common for women to deliver vaginally after having a previous C-section. This is called Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).

4. Why is prenatal education so important?
Prenatal education classes are a good way to prepare for a very important and exciting time of your life! You will find that other people have the same concerns you have.

5. Can participating in prenatal fitness be helpful to my baby?
Experts agree that exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for most pregnant women, if it is done properly. This is an area to discuss with your obstetrician.

6. What is pre-admitting and when should I do it?
Pre-admitting is handled through your obstetrician's office. Discuss with them about your preadmission to the hospital.

7. Where should we go when we arrive at the hospital in labor?
Remember to call your obstetrician before you come to the hospital. When you arrive at the hospital in labor, you should go to Labor and Delivery -- located on the 2nd floor of Trinity.

8. I want my mother in the delivery room with me. Is that allowed?
During the delivery, we allow one person to join the mother. You will need to talk with your obstetrician before delivery about allowing an additional person in the delivery room.

9. What are the guidelines for visiting a laboring mother?
Remember, the nurse will determine how many people can visit the laboring mother. The laboring mother has a big task ahead of her and she needs as much rest as possible. When the physician checks on the laboring mother, you will be asked to leave the room. The father or partner will let you know when you may return. There will be times when you, as a visitor, will be asked to leave a labor room quickly. Please follow the nurse's instructions immediately. We ask that you please do not wait in the hallway but return to the Labor and Delivery Waiting Room outside the unit. Please understand that our primary concern is the mother and baby. As soon as we can, we will explain what is happening and let you know when you may visit her. After delivery, if the baby is delivered by C-Section, the laboring mother will need to recover. We allow only the father or significant other to visit during the first hour following the delivery.

10. I'm a grandmother-to-be and I'll be anxiously awaiting the birth of my new grandbaby in the waiting room. How soon after the birth will I be able to visit the new parents?
Announcing the arrival of a new little one is special. We let the father or partner share the news with the waiting family and friends. It may take some time before you hear from the birthing parents. The nursing staff needs time to care for the baby and the new mother as well as prepare the room ready for visitors. And more importantly, the new family needs time alone with their little one. When the time comes for visitors, the father or partner will come and get you. We ask that you remain in the Labor and Delivery Waiting Room until then. We will rely on the father or partner to share information with you. (If you have questions, we ask that you send only one (1) person to the nursing station.) After delivery, a room will be made ready for the mother and baby. It will take 1 1/2-2 hours before the mother is transferred to a post-partum room.

11. What are the postpartum room arrangements?
All of our postpartum rooms are private rooms. Please see hospital tours for more information about our facilities and services.

12. Can my baby stay in the room with me?
The baby may stay in the room with you as much as you would like. There is a Well Baby Nursery for your baby to return to at your convenience.

13. What is the phone number I share with family and friends who wish to check on the birth of my baby?
Ask your family and friends to call the Trinity Hospital Information line at: 205-592-1100.