Common Questions

It’s an awesome document that spells out exactly what you want (and don’t want) to happen in the delivery room on your big day. It specifies things like the atmosphere of the room, how you want to deal with labor pains (meds or no meds) and who cuts the cord. It also spells out your choices relating to unexpected events, like how you feel about induction, meds to help with cervical ripening, if you want to watch your C-section through a screen, etc. Here’s a great article about the power of a birth plan. Ready to get started? Download your birth plan now.

There are a lot of factors—age, health, etc.—that determine the kinds of tests you’ll take throughout your pregnancy. That being said, there are several standard tests that all healthcare providers will generally order: Group B streptococci (GBS), Rh incompatibility, gestational diabetes, and certain infections (eg, HIV, hepatitis B virus [HBV]). Read more about these tests here.

Absolutely. Sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, syphilis and HIV can pose serious health risks to both you and your baby. Most doctors will conduct screenings for diseases like these at some point in the first trimester of your pregnancy.

Well, it depends on what happens first. If you pass your mucus plug, then your cervix has basically lost the cork that keeps your baby sealed up tight. You won’t necessarily feel anything when you lose your plug, but it’s a sign your cervix is starting to soften, thin and open (dilate). Definitely tell your doctor so they can monitor your cervix, an indicator of how soon your baby will be born.

If your “water” breaks, that’s another telltale sign. Heads up: You might not feel a huge gush when your amniotic sac ruptures. Instead, you’ll probably feel like you can’t stop peeing yourself. If there’s a never-ending trickle going on, or if you do feel a gush of fluid, it’s time to get the show on the road.

Finally, you might start having contractions. Like, the real kind of contractions that don’t go away when you take a little walk around your living room. These contractions feel like the kind of cramps you get with your period, but they come in regular waves. They usually start about 20-30 minutes apart, then start to come a little faster. And (sorry) a little stronger. When they’re hitting every 5 minutes and lasting a whole minute, (hang in there), it’s probably time to grab your hospital bag and head on over.

Remember the 3 “P’s”—Progress, Push and Placenta.

The first phase, “progress,” happens when those contractions kick in and your cervix works to soften, thin and open (dilate) big enough for your baby to pass through. This “cervical ripening” can happen quickly or slooooooooowly. If things aren’t moving along, your doctor might use mechanical or medical treatments to help your cervix to get the show on the road. Some meds aren’t approved by the FDA for cervical ripening.

Learn more about cervical ripening agent options below:

Dinoprostone Vaginal Insert

An FDA-approved medicated removable vaginal insert similar to a tampon that is placed by your OB or midwife.

Dinoprostone Cervical Gel

Another form of the FDA-approved medication dinoprostone. It is administered by a doctor, who will release the gel into the cervix using a syringe.

Pill (Cytotec^®/misoprostol)

A medication given orally or vaginally. This option is not FDA-approved for use in cervical ripening.

Click HERE to read the misoprostol (marketed as Cytotec^®) FDA alert on its Risks of Use in Labor and Delivery

Balloon Catheter

A device with a small inflatable balloon on one end. Some balloon catheters are FDA-approved.

Stripping the Membranes

A procedure performed by your OB or midwife that involves gently separating the membrane connecting the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus. This triggers the release of prostaglandins and produces contractions.

Note: All drugs must be proven safe and effective to FDA’s regulations before companies can market them. If the FDA grants approval to a drug, it means they have determined that the benefits of the product outweigh the risks for the intended use.

When your cervix has dilated 10 centimeters, it’s time for the “push” phase of labor, when you bear down and deliver your beautiful new baby. Then, after that amazing, life-changing moment, your body goes through the final phase of labor when it delivers the “placenta.”

The process of softening and thinning your cervix to allow it to open (dilate) 10 whopping centimeters for your baby to pass through. When your body doesn’t ripen your cervix on its own, FDA-approved medications can help move things along.

All drugs must be proven safe and effective to the FDA’s standards before companies can market them. If the FDA grants approval to a drug, it means they have determined that the benefits of the product outweigh the risks for the intended use. Not all drugs used for cervical ripening are approved by the FDA. We encourage you to read the Cytotec^® (misoprostol) FDA Alert—Risks of Use in Labor and Delivery.

Learn more about cervical ripening agent options below:

Dinoprostone Vaginal Insert

An FDA-approved medicated removable vaginal insert similar to a tampon that is placed by your OB or midwife.

Dinoprostone Cervical Gel

Another form of the FDA-approved medication dinoprostone. It is administered by a doctor, who will release the gel into the cervix using a syringe.

Pill (Cytotec^®/misoprostol)

A medication given orally or vaginally. This option is not FDA-approved for use in cervical ripening.

Click HERE to read the misoprostol (marketed as Cytotec^®) FDA alert on its Risks of Use in Labor and Delivery

Balloon Catheter

A device with a small inflatable balloon on one end. Some balloon catheters are FDA-approved.

Stripping the Membranes

A procedure performed by your OB or midwife that involves gently separating the membrane connecting the amniotic sac to the wall of the uterus. This triggers the release of prostaglandins and produces contractions.

Note: All drugs must be proven safe and effective to the FDA’s regulations before companies can market them. If the FDA grants approval to a drug, it means they have determined that the benefits of the product outweigh the risks for the intended use.

The use of medications or other methods to bring on labor. Not all medications or methods are approved by the FDA for cervical ripening, so do your research ahead of time. Click here for a great article about induction.

Not everything goes according to plan. Your OB or midwife typically recommends induction if you’re on or past your due date and your body shows no signs of labor. Although there can be complications at any time in your pregnancy, issues concerning your baby’s health increase past your due date. Simply “waiting for it to happen” becomes too risky at some point. The major area of concern is a decrease in the nutrients from the placenta in the very late weeks of pregnancy.

Looking to jumpstart your labor at home?

There are many suggested methods to start labor. They include:

Unfortunately, there are no clinical studies that prove any of these methods work. If you want to give it a go, be sure to discuss the risks of these natural methods with your OB and/or midwife before trying them on your own. We also encourage you to learn more by reading our article on induction.

A little preparation ahead of time goes a long way when it’s time to head off to the hospital. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got a few must-have items with you:

• Picture ID
• Insurance card
• Any paperwork from your hospital
• Charging cables

Those are some of the more important items. But if you’d like a full checklist, sign up at MyBirthPlan and you’ll get a checklist that’ll help you get ready for your big day.