What to Expect Upon Arrival
Although you have been preparing to have your baby for months, going into labor can be an overwhelming experience. The following information gives you an idea of what to expect when you arrive at the hospital to deliver your baby. Your tour of the Women and Children's Center will also cover this information in detail.
We strongly encourage you to pre-register during your seventh month of pregnancy to avoid the paperwork upon your arrival for delivery. If you have not pre-registered at the time of delivery, your partner should take you to the OB reception area on the lobby level and then proceed to admissions.
When you arrive at California Pacific Medical Center:
- Be sure you have your insurance card!
- Drop-off (30 minute) parking is located just off Cherry Street, which is also the after hours entrance.
- Street parking is available but not recommended
- Parking garages:
- 3838 California Street (no elevators; open 6:30 am - 8:30 pm)
- 3905 Sacramento Street (no elevators; open 9:00 am - 4:30 pm)
- 460 Cherry Street (no elevators; open 24 hours)
- Go to the OB reception area, located on the lobby level, near the emergency entrance off Cherry Street.
- A nurse will examine you, take your blood pressure and possibly a urine sample, and consult with your physician to determine whether you will be admitted. You may need to stay in OB reception for some time to determine the intensity of your labor.
- To check your baby's heart rate, a fetal monitor will be applied. The nurse will give you an expandable belt for use with the fetal monitor that you will need to put around your stomach under your hospital gown.
- Do not be disappointed if you are not admitted on your first visit. It is very common for women to experience symptoms of labor but not be ready to deliver.
- If you are admitted and would like to request a private postpartum room, please do so at this time. Private rooms cannot be reserved prior to admission.
- The nurse will review California Pacific Medical Center's Infant Security Policy with you and your partner.
- You will be taken to one of our private labor-delivery-recovery (LDR) rooms, where you will stay during your baby's delivery and your immediate recovery.
- Your partner or another support person should store suitcases and other items away in the closets to provide ample room for the delivery team.
- If you have a birth plan, give a copy to the OB reception nurse who will make it available to the delivery team.
- Until delivery becomes imminent, you may listen to music, watch TV or take a shower to ease your contractions. We encourage you to remain as comfortable as possible while also following your doctor's recommendations.
- Everything necessary for the birth of your baby is located in the LDR. The bed is also adjustable to aid you in delivery.