Hospital Birth Basics: A Guide to Labor, Delivery and What Comes After

Heading to the hospital to give birth is both exciting…and a bit nerve-wracking—especially if it’s your first baby. You aren’t really sure what to expect and it might even be your first time ever being admitted into a hospital.

While home and birth center deliveries are growing in popularity, most people in the U.S. still give birth in a hospital setting. And while every birth is unique, knowing what to expect can make a big difference in how prepared and confident you feel going in.

To help you manage expectations and understand what really happens during a hospital birth, we put together a full guide breaking it all down. We also recommend scheduling a hospital tour in advance so you can familiarize yourself with the space and ask any lingering questions.

To bring you the most helpful insights, we spoke with three birth professionals who are right there with expecting parents as they give birth: Liesel Teen, a registered nurse and founder of Mommy Labor Nurse; Jessica Nilson, a registered labor and delivery nurse;  Lucy Chapin, certified nurse midwife (CNM) and Aleesa Ponce, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) at Orlando Health.

Whether you’re having a vaginal birth, planning a C-section—or plans change once you get to the hospital and find yourself getting prepped for one—here’s what you can expect at the hospital during labor, birth and the first few days postpartum. P.S. While you're planning your hospital birth, check out our interactive hospital bag checklist.

The First Stop: The Triage Room

Once you arrive at the hospital, the first thing you’ll do is check in at the nurses’ station. Once you’re checked in, they’ll have you go into the triage room. This is kind of like a waiting zone, where you’ll spend some time before you’re officially admitted and move into a delivery room. 

In triage, a nurse will connect a fetal monitor to your belly to check your baby's heart rate. They will also monitor your contractions to see how far apart they are and check your cervix to see how dilated you are—both of which tell them whether you’re in early or active labor.

How will you know it’s the latter? “Active labor is strong, regular uterine contractions that is causing cervical change,” says Aleesa Ponce, an APRN and CNM. If your contractions are five minutes apart and one minute long for at least one hour, and your cervix is dilated three centimeters or more, you'll most likely be admitted. If you haven’t reached that cadence, you may be sent home until your contractions become closer, longer and stronger. While this can be super frustrating, don't worry—you'll be back soon enough! 

“Getting sent home is not because we don't want to care for you, it is because in a low risk individual with a low risk baby, there’s proven benefit to going home until stronger active labor,” says Lucy Chapin, a CNM at Mad River Birth and Wellness. “Your labor hormones flow better when you are in a space where you feel completely safe. So coming in too early in the labor process with bright lights, a new space [and] people you don't know may actually slow down the physiologic process.”

What if you’re arriving for a planned induction? According to the Cleveland Clinic, an induction can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days; it just depends on the individual and the induction method you receive. “I want my patients to be mentally prepared that it is within the realm of normal to sometimes take two to three days,” Chapin says, “[But] I have been a midwife long enough to know that we cannot predict the timeframe of labor or an induction!” She says that an induction is never something you want to rush; the goal is to mimic the physiologic process of spontaneous labor, which is a gradual process and build up of early and then active labor. 

If you're checking in for a planned C-section, the process will look a bit different since you likely haven’t gone into labor. Instead of being admitted to a labor and delivery room, you'll typically start in a triage or pre-op area where nurses will prep you with an IV and monitor the baby. From there, you'll be taken to the operating room for your delivery.

Labor and Delivery Room

Once the care team determines you’re in active labor, you’ll be admitted into the hospital and moved to a labor and delivery room. This is where you’ll likely spend the majority of your time during labor (and also where you can set up your laboring comforts you packed in your hospital bag).

Everyone's birth experience is unique, so depending on your birth plan and the options available to you, you might bounce on a birth ball, take a shower or labor in a special tub as your contractions become stronger and closer together.

A nurse will monitor your labor progression and your baby's heart rate once per hour or continuously. If you plan on getting an epidural, an anesthesiologist will visit you once you're in the labor and delivery room—but when you get the epidural depends on a few different factors. Although you don't want to get the epidural too early in labor, since it can potentially slow things down, "you should be able to get your epidural whenever you ask for it," Liesel Teen, RN and founder of Mommy Labor Nurse says. She recommends "waiting for painful contractions and cervical change," however, your providers will go over that process with you, and you'll receive the epidural in the room.

Most hospitals allow you to have a partner, midwife, doula or family members in the room with you while you’re in labor if you choose, but they usually have a limit on the amount of people. Ask about this during your tour and keep the number in mind as you write your birth plan.

In addition to your chosen support person (or people), you'll also have a care team assigned—during your labor, you might encounter multiple labor and delivery nurses. They change shifts every eight to 12 hours, so the nurses you meet when you arrive might be different from the ones there when you give birth. 

Jessica Nilson, a registered nurse (RN) who works in labor and delivery, acknowledges that it can be a bit stressful to have a new care team in the midst of laboring. She says, “My biggest advice would be to make sure the nurses do a bed-side report so that you can be involved in the conversation.” This is essentially when they hand you off to another nurse, filling in their replacement on your status and sharing any important information.

You typically won’t see an ob-gyn until it’s time to deliver, and you might actually end up with a doctor who isn’t your provider if your ob-gyn is not on shift. 

If you’re having a vaginal birth

If you're having a vaginal delivery, the delivery room is where you'll give birth and finally get to meet your baby.

As you dilate to 10 centimeters—and are ready to push—an ob-gyn will join the labor and delivery nurses in the room you’ve been laboring in to assist in the delivery. This may or may not be the healthcare provider you've seen throughout your pregnancy; it’s very common to have your delivery performed by someone who isn’t your regular provider. Don’t worry; labor and delivery teams are trained to step in seamlessly. They’ll have all your medical information in your chart and your nurses (who’ve been with you for much of the process) will help keep things feeling as personal and supportive as possible.

Pro tip: If you’re nervous about this, ask your doctor or midwife about the other ob-gyns who work at the hospital beforehand. You may be able to meet them ahead of your delivery, which can help you feel more comfortable when the time comes.

If you’re having a C-section birth

If you have a scheduled or unplanned C-section, you'll be moved to a pre-operating room where you’ll be prepped for surgery. This includes getting anesthesia—typically a spinal block or epidural. Once you’re settled and ready, you’ll move into the actual operating room (OR), where your partner or support person will be able to join you. They’ll likely be able to sit by your head during the procedure. 

In addition to you and your partner, there will be a whole care team in the operating room, including an ob-gyn, an anesthesiologist, surgical nurses and a pediatric team ready for baby’s arrival. Once the surgery begins, it may take around 10 to 15 minutes for your baby to be born, and the remainder of the procedure will focus on closing the incision and monitoring your recovery. Nilson says first time C-sections, with no risk factors, tend to go faster than subsequent C-sections, due to scar tissue and other potential risk factors.

Though things tend to move quickly, your providers will talk you through every step and make sure you’re as comfortable (and informed) as possible. Nilson says that a typical scheduled C-section, when there are minimal complications, usually takes about an hour from the moment you leave the pre-op room to when you’re back in recovery and notes, “This includes getting her spinal/epidural and setting up for surgery. It honestly is a lot faster than most people think!” 

After Baby Is Born 

After a vaginal birth, a doctor or nurse will place your baby on your chest for skin-to-skin and bonding time—often referred to as the “golden hour”. Teen explains that at least an hour of uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact is encouraged after birth to help the baby adjust to life outside the womb and to allow time to begin breastfeeding, if that’s the planned feeding method.

This is also when delayed cord clamping happens—meaning the umbilical cord isn’t cut immediately after birth. Instead, it's left attached for a short period (usually 30 seconds to a few minutes) to allow extra blood from the placenta to flow into the baby. Prolonging this separation has been found to increase hemoglobin levels during baby’s first six months of life—which helps boost iron stores. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends 30-60 seconds of delayed cord clamping, and most hospitals implement this. 

Nilson explains that within the first few hours after birth, a nurse will perform a full head-to-toe assessment of your baby, followed by a similar exam by a pediatrician sometime within the first 24 hours.

If you’ve had a vaginal birth, one thing many first-time parents don’t realize is that there’s still one more important step: delivering the placenta. 

You’ll typically deliver the placenta within 30 to 60 minutes after giving birth. This is known as the third stage of labor. Your care team will monitor to make sure your blood pressure is steady and there aren't any labor and delivery complications. A doctor will also check for any tearing and, if necessary, give you stitches. 

Once the initial checks are finished (and you’ve delivered your placenta), "you can expect your labor nurse to closely monitor your vital signs, the firmness of your uterus with something called a fundal rub, and your vaginal bleeding over the next couple hours (or longer if necessary)," Teen says.

The recovery time in the labor and delivery room at the hospital varies depending on how you and your baby are doing, but it will probably be a couple of hours. If you'd like, friends and family can visit you in this room (and meet your new baby!) as well.

Once your nurses and doctor are sure that you and baby are doing well, your care team will move you to a recovery room. This is where you'll spend the next two to four nights; the length depends on your specific hospital, your insurance and your birth.

Things look slightly different if you’ve had a C-section. 

“Immediately following delivery, the baby is on the mother's abdomen (which is covered by the sterile drape at the time) and stimulated by the physician. This helps baby start to cry and open their lungs,” says Nilson. In general, the exact flow of things varies by hospital and individual circumstances.

After the physician passes the baby to the nurse, they'll briefly hold the baby near the drape so you can see them, then take them to a warmer for a quick assessment, cleaning and vitals check. “This takes roughly five to 10 minutes depending on the newborn's condition,” Nilson says. Once that’s done, your nurse will bring the baby to your partner or support person, who can hold them close to your face for that first meeting. 

Even after a C-section, you can still enjoy meaningful skin-to-skin time with your baby. While it may be limited in the OR, nurses look for small ways to encourage bonding right away. “At the very least, I try to put the baby cheek to cheek with mom and take plenty of pictures!” says Nilson. Once you’re in the final recovery room, you’ll have plenty of time for uninterrupted snuggles.

Your baby’s care team will give them a quick checkup using something called the APGAR score. It’s performed at one minute and again at five minutes after birth, and it helps assess how well your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb—and whether they might need any extra support.

APGAR stands for the five things assessed right after birth:

• Appearance. Nurses check baby’s skin tone, which can give clues about blood flow and oxygenation.

• Pulse. Baby’s heart rate is measured at one and five minutes after birth to assess cardiovascular health.

• Grimace. This tests baby’s reflexes and how they respond to stimulation, like a gentle pinch or suctioning.

• Activity. Baby’s muscle tone and movement are observed to ensure they’re active and not floppy.

• Respiration. Lastly, baby’s breathing is monitored—whether it’s strong and regular or weak and irregular.

Each area gets a score from zero to two, for a possible total of 10. Most babies score between seven and nine—that’s completely normal. And if your baby needs a little help at first (like extra oxygen or gentle stimulation), the care team is right there to provide it.

Afterward, the nurse will weigh and measure your baby, take some footprints and do some prophylactic interventions, such as a Vitamin K injection or eye ointment application. “These are not required and parents will be asked if they would like them for their child as well as any questions about them answered before administering,” Nilson says. (Your doctor will typically go over these with you in advance and this is something you can include in your birth plan.)

Your nurses will also offer to give your baby their first bath if you want, though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends holding off on this for at least 24 hours (or even wait until you’re home if you prefer). “This is because of the natural antibacterial qualities of the layer of vernix on the skin [that] baby is born with,” Nilson says.

Recovery Room: Healing + Baby Time

Postpartum Recovery After a Vaginal Birth

Once baby arrives, the focus naturally shifts to them—but it’s just as important to care for you, too. “My goal as a nurse caring for a newly postpartum mom is to provide them as much support as they need physically and emotionally balanced with giving them time for rest and bonding with their new baby,” Nilson says. 

Here’s what you can expect in those first hours after a vaginal birth:

Uterine Massage, Bleeding and Tearing:

Right after delivery, your care team will perform a fundal massage to help your uterus contract and reduce bleeding. This can be quite uncomfortable, but it’s a standard part of immediate postpartum recovery. “When the placenta detaches it leaves an open wound in the uterus that is bleeding [and] your body naturally tries to contract down the uterus after birth in an effort to slow this bleeding. If it’s full of blood and clots, it’s not able to,” Nilson says. The fundal massage helps prevent any clots from forming and ensures everything is able to pass. 

You’ll also experience vaginal bleeding (called lochia), which is normal. If you have any tearing or received an episiotomy, your provider will give you stitches and monitor you as you heal.

Going to the Bathroom, Managing Pain and Resting:

You will most likely need help using the bathroom for the first time after delivering your baby, especially if you’ve had an epidural. If you’re not able to walk on your own just yet, a nurse may wheel you into the restroom on what looks like a stand-up wheelchair and make sure you’re able to do your first pee post-catheter, if you had one. If you didn’t get an epidural, you’ll still need to make a visit to the restroom to pee before you’re moved to the recovery room.

Your care team will also help you manage pain with different things like medication, ice packs or even a sitz bath. Rest is vital, but not always easy, especially in the hospital setting, since you’re not in your comfort zone and frequent feedings and nurse check-ins can feel disruptive. This is where it’s important to lean into any help and focus on small moments of rest whenever you can. 

Your First Meal:

Nothing tastes as good as that first meal post-birth! Within a few hours after baby is born, you can have your first postpartum meal. Many parents choose to make this a celebratory meal, indulging in the things they craved their whole pregnancy but couldn't eat, like sushi. 

Lactation Support:

If you’re planning to breastfeed, this is also when lactation support may begin. A nurse or lactation consultant can help you with latching and positioning baby for those first feeds.

Whether this is your first baby or not, every breastfeeding journey is different—don’t hesitate to ask for help. Some hospitals have lactation consultants that do regular rounds to check in new parents and offer help during their stay to answer questions and offer reassurance as you and your baby learn this new skill together.

Postpartum Recovery After a C-Section

A cesarean birth is major abdominal surgery, so recovery looks a little different—but your care team is there every step of the way to support your healing and help you bond with your baby.

Monitoring in The Recovery Room:

Right after surgery, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where nurses will closely monitor your vital signs, vaginal bleeding (yes, that happens with C-sections too) and how your body is responding to the anesthesia. This is also when you can start skin-to-skin time and, if you’re planning to breastfeed, begin feeding your baby with support. This is where you’ll spend some time before you get moved to your final recovery room.

Catheter, Incision Checks And Pain Management:

You’ll have a urinary catheter in place for a short time during and after your surgery. Nurses will also regularly check your incision site to make sure it’s healing well. Managing pain is a top priority at this point, so expect to receive medication through an IV or by mouth to keep you comfortable.

Walking After Surgery:

While it might sound like that last thing you want to do, you’ll be encouraged to start walking within 12–24 hours after your C-section delivery. That gentle movement helps prevent blood clots, supports digestion and promotes healing. Your nurses will be there to help you take those first few steps.

Going to the Bathroom:

Going to the bathroom after a C-section can be a bit stressful at first, especially with the incision site and if you’ve had a catheter. Your nurses will guide you through the process and help you regain mobility gradually and safely.

Eating After Surgery:

You’ll typically wait a little longer to eat after a C-section than you would after a vaginal birth. Your care team will let you know when it’s safe to start with clear liquids and slowly work up to regular food.

Feeding and Bonding With Baby:

Even while recovering, there’s plenty of opportunity to feed and bond with your baby. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding or doing a mix, your care team can help you find comfortable positions that work with your incision and mobility.

A Slightly Longer Hospital Stay:

C-section recovery usually involves a hospital stay of about three to four days. During that time, you’ll be supported in your recovery with pain control, C-section site care, mobility assistance and help getting the hang of feeding your baby. 

What to Expect for Your Baby’s Care During Your Hospital Stay

While you’re recovering, your baby will also be getting lots of care and monitoring to make sure they’re adjusting well to life outside the womb. Here’s what usually happens in those first few days in the hospital before you’re sent home:

Rooming-In and Bassinets

In most hospitals, your baby will stay in the room with you, either in a clear bassinet or snuggled up for skin-to-skin time. Rooming-in makes it easier to bond, learn feeding cues and practice breastfeeding or bottle-feeding with help nearby.

Pediatrician and Daily Weight Checks

A pediatrician or nurse practitioner will examine your baby within the first 24 hours and then check in daily (this may or may not be the pediatrician you’ve picked out; they often work in shifts doing newborn checks in the hospital). One of the things they’ll track is your baby’s weight—it’s normal for newborns to lose a little weight at first, and your care team will monitor it to make sure they’re feeding well and staying hydrated.

When Babies Are Taken To the Nursery

Some hospitals still have nurseries, but many only use them if your baby needs extra care or if you request a short break to rest. For bonding and feeding purposes, most hospitals now prefer to keep baby with you at all times, but it’s also okay if you need a break. Policies vary among hospitals, so you can ask ahead of time if nursery care is an option or if your baby will be staying in your room with you full-time.

Jaundice Checks and Hearing Test

All babies are screened for jaundice, a common condition that causes yellowing of the skin. If needed, they may get light therapy or other treatment while still in the hospital. Your baby will also receive a newborn hearing test, usually done while they’re resting or sleeping.

Feeding Support: Breastfeeding, Formula or Both

No matter how you plan to feed your baby, there’s support available. Lactation consultants can help with latching, positioning and milk supply, while nurses can guide you through formula feeding or combo feeding. The goal is to help you feel confident and supported in whatever feeding choice works best for your family. A lactation consultant will visit you at some point during your stay, on the last day for most people. But you can certainly request one if you need help sooner.

What if your baby needs the NICU?

Sometimes babies need extra support after birth and may spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This can happen for many reasons—prematurity, breathing difficulties or other health concerns. If your baby is admitted to the NICU, the care team will keep you informed every step of the way, and you’ll still have opportunities to bond, feed and be close to your baby as much as possible.

Going Home: What Happens at Discharge

When it’s time to head home, your care team will walk you through everything you need to know to feel ready and supported. Discharge usually happens 24 to 48 hours after a vaginal birth or around three to four days after a C-section, depending on how you and baby are doing. Here’s what to expect before you leave the hospital:

• Final health checks: Baby will have a weight check, feeding assessment and possibly a jaundice screening before getting the okay to go home. You’ll also be checked for healing, pain management and given a chance to ask questions.

• Discharge paperwork: You’ll get care instructions, signs to watch for, follow-up info and documents for the birth certificate and pediatrician visit.

• Car seat check: Baby needs to leave in a properly installed infant car seat. Some hospitals offer safety checks or quick demos.

• Feeding and newborn care tips: Nurses or lactation consultants will review feeding plans and answer last-minute questions about diapering, soothing and baby care basics.

• Emotional support: Leaving can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to have mixed emotions—ask for help, lean on your support system and take things one step at a time. Nilson says she welcomes and strongly encourages parents to ask all of the questions, “There is so much focus on the new baby that it is easy for the new parents to neglect themselves. Don't wait until the six week check up. Before they leave I want [the new parents] to know all the different resources available to them and who to call if they need help.”

Frequently Asked Questions