Labor and Delivery for High-Risk Pregnancy

You can feel peace of mind knowing your obstetrics care team is experienced and ready to help you throughout childbirth. Our high-risk obstetricians and labor and delivery nurses have a reputation for delivering safe and effective care for both mother and baby.

Safe, High-Quality Care

We work hard to ensure you can have the best birthing experience possible, even if you experience a high-risk pregnancy. Our teams always have your comfort and wellbeing in mind, and we consider your wishes for your birth experience. At Memorial Healthcare System, we offer lower C-section and episiotomy rates than other hospitals in the region to comply with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendation for reducing unnecessary cesarean births in women who are at low-risk. 

Our doctors and nurses deliver safe care that Leapfrog has nationally recognized with A ratings for safety. That means we follow evidence-based practices to protect you and your baby — and have the data to show it.

Before and During Labor

We understand that you have hopes and wishes for your birthing experience. We follow those wishes at all times, as long as they are medically safe for you and your baby. Find out more about maternity services and birth plans at Memorial Healthcare.

Cardiac and Telemetry Monitoring

During labor, you’ll wear two monitors. One will monitor your contractions, and the other will monitor your baby’s heartbeat. These monitors provide important data about how your labor is progressing and how well your baby is doing throughout the process.

Vaginal Delivery

A vaginal delivery is the most common type of birth. You have the option of having your midwife oversee your delivery after 35 weeks of pregnancy. A high-risk OB will monitor your medical conditions throughout your labor and delivery.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

A vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) means that you can attempt to give birth vaginally even though you previously had a C-section. If you want to try a VBAC, a physician will oversee your care to keep you and your baby safe.

C-Section Birth

You may also give birth via C-section. During these births, your doctor will make an incision in your lower abdomen and through your uterus. They will deliver your baby and the placenta through this incision.

At all three Memorial Healthcare System hospitals, our physicians also offer gentle c-sections. During these procedures, you’ll be able to choose to watch your delivery and will be handed your baby immediately (as long as they don’t need immediate medical attention). You can also hold your baby in the operating room as your doctor finishes your care.

Welcoming Your Baby

We encourage skin-to-skin contact immediately after your child is born, whether they are born vaginally or via a C-section. Whenever possible, we will place your child on your chest immediately after birth so you can begin bonding.

Newborn Care and Postpartum Recovery

After you give birth, you’ll stay in the hospital for a short time to recover.

• If you have an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you’ll stay in the hospital for 48 hours after giving birth.
• If you have an uncomplicated C-section, you’ll stay in the hospital for two to three days after giving birth.
• You might need to stay longer if you have complications or other procedures during your labor and delivery process.

Your doctor will work with you to determine when you are ready to go home.

During your stay, you can receive postpartum services like lactation services, pain management and care for your newborn. Depending on your health and your birth experience, you might need closer monitoring while in the hospital. Your doctor will talk to you about your care plan while recovering.