What happens in labor and delivery?
• An IV is usually administered once you are in active labor. • Pain medication can be given in the IV and usually consists of Demerol. If you wish to have an epidural, this will be administered once you are in active labor. If the patient wishes a non-medicated labor, local anesthesia may still be required. • An episiotomy may be performed at time of delivery, but is often not required. • Membranes may be ruptured once in active labor, or to encourage labor. • Forceps may be used, but only when necessary, at the time of delivery. • Pitocin is given during labor induction, and after delivery of the infant to decrease postpartum blood loss. Pitocin helps return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size. • Stirrups are usually used during delivery. • Fetal heart monitors are used to monitor the fetus during labor and delivery.
