You have the people and the place set. Now for some decisions that will affect your comfort and mobility during labor.

Labor Prep Preferences

Shaving, enemas, and intravenous lines are just a few of the ways the nursing staff may get you ready for the rest of your labor and for delivery. You have the option of doing some of these steps yourself and foregoing others completely. Whatever you decide, make it a part of your birth plan. (See Chapter 18 for more on prepping for labor.)

Food and Drink

Some hospitals and providers put a strict ban on lunching during labor, for several reasons. First, if events don't go as planned and you end up having to have a general anesthetic for a C-section, having food in your stomach puts you at risk for aspiration (inhaling vomit). Second, your stomach and gastrointestinal tract will have to digest that food when clearly there is more important action happening right next door.

If you are giving birth at a facility that allows preregistration, now is a good time to get the paperwork in order. Preregistration allows you to file your insurance information and other necessary details with the hospital in advance so when labor hits you can head straight for the maternity floor, or at least check in with minimal delay.

That said, labor is a marathon that lasts exceedingly long for many women, who may need some sustenance to make it through. Simple, liquid-based carbohydrates such as a glass of juice, a popsicle or juice bar, broth, or tea or lemonade with honey are easily digested and can give you the boost you need. Outline what you'd like to have access to so you can discuss it with your doctor. If your provider or hospital believes a light snack of food and drink is an absolute no-no in labor, intravenous lines will probably be used to take care of any risk of dehydration. However, a dry mouth is annoying and uncomfortable, so see if you can at least get ice chips to suck on and bring your lip balm.

Monitors and Mobility

Being tethered to a bed can make handling contractions and labor difficult. Yet checking the fetal heart rate and your contractions is important to ensure baby isn't encountering any stress. To give yourself room to move through the contractions while ensuring your little one's safety, ask for intermittent monitoring. Unless you require internal monitoring, which is sometimes the case in higher-risk pregnancies, having the freedom to move at least part of the time shouldn't be an issue. Wireless fetal monitors can let you cut the cord altogether; ask your hospital or birthing center if they use them.

A fetal monitor can assess your baby's heart rate and check for signs of fetal distress.