Key points
- Pain relief in labor is your choice — from comfort measures to IV medicine to an epidural, or none at all.
- Babies do best when born at 39 weeks or later unless there is a medical reason to deliver sooner.
- If you have Medicaid and want permanent sterilization, the consent form must be signed at least 30 days before delivery.
- Group B strep testing is done between 36 and 37 weeks.
What can I do for labor pain without medicine?
Warm compresses, changing positions, walking, a birthing ball, slow breathing, massage, and a shower or bath (when allowed) can help a lot, especially in early labor. A support person makes a big difference.
These options are optional. Every mother can decide, based on her own pain tolerance, whether she would like any intervention or none at all.
What pain medicines are available?
- IV pain medicine: takes the edge off for a short time. It may make you and your baby drowsy, so it is usually given earlier in labor.
- Epidural: the most effective pain relief. A thin tube is placed in your lower back to numb the lower half of your body while you stay awake. It is safe for you and your baby.
When can I get an epidural?
An epidural is your choice. There is no required amount of dilation; once you are in active labor and ask for one, your care team and the anesthesiologist will decide the right time with you. Some patients choose IV medicine or comfort measures first. Pain relief is personal — there is no “right” amount, and your plan can change during labor. More about pain relief in labor.
When will my baby be born?
| Term | Weeks |
|---|---|
| Preterm | Before 37 weeks |
| Early term | 37 weeks 0 days – 38 weeks 6 days |
| Full term | 39 weeks 0 days – 40 weeks 6 days |
| Late term | 41 weeks 0 days – 41 weeks 6 days |
| Post-term | 42 weeks and later |
Why not deliver early?
Babies born before 39 weeks are more likely to have breathing, feeding and temperature problems and to need the NICU. We recommend delivery before 39 weeks only when a medical reason makes it safer for you or your baby (for example, preeclampsia or poor growth).
What is an induction?
An induction starts labor with medicine or other methods. For healthy patients, induction can be offered at 39 weeks, and it is generally recommended by 41–42 weeks because risks to the baby rise after that. We may use:
- Membrane sweep: during a cervical exam, your doctor gently separates the bag of water from the cervix to release natural hormones; it can be done in the office before your due date
- Foley balloon (catheter): a small balloon placed in the cervix and filled with water to gently open it
- Misoprostol (Cytotec): a small tablet placed in the vagina or taken by mouth to soften and open the cervix
- Dinoprostone (Cervidil or Prepidil): an insert or gel placed in the vagina to soften the cervix
- Oxytocin (Pitocin): given through an IV to start or strengthen contractions
- Breaking the bag of water (amniotomy): done during an exam to help labor move along
Side effects can include contractions that are too frequent (which we monitor and treat) and a longer time in the hospital. Induction at 39 weeks does not increase the chance of cesarean. More about labor induction.
What if my baby is big?
A macrosomic baby weighs more than about 8 lb 13 oz (4,000 g). Risk factors include diabetes, excess weight gain, obesity, a previous large baby and going past your due date. Large babies can have shoulder dystocia during birth. We may estimate your baby’s weight by ultrasound at about 38 weeks. These estimates can be off by 10–15%, so we use them together with your exam and history to plan delivery.
Why would I need a cesarean (C-section)?
The most common reasons are:
- Changes in the baby’s heart rate that suggest the baby is not tolerating labor
- Labor that stops progressing (“arrest of labor”)
- Baby in a breech (bottom- or feet-first) position
- Placenta covering the cervix, certain infections, a very large baby, or a previous cesarean
What decisions should I start thinking about?
- Cord blood banking: Cord blood contains stem cells used to treat some blood diseases. Public donation is free and helps others. Private banking costs money, and the chance your own child will use it is low; ACOG does not recommend it routinely. If you choose a company, order the collection kit before delivery and bring it to the hospital. Cord blood banking.
- Delayed cord clamping: Waiting 30–60 seconds to clamp the cord gives your baby extra blood and iron. ACOG recommends it for most healthy babies.
- Circumcision (boys): Optional. It has some health benefits and small risks; it is your family’s choice.
- Birth control and permanent sterilization: If you want no more children, we can discuss removing the fallopian tubes at cesarean or after vaginal birth. Removing the whole tube (salpingectomy) is preferred because it also lowers ovarian cancer risk. If you have Medicaid, a consent form must be signed at least 30 days before delivery, so decide early.
- Vaccines: RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks (September–January due dates), and Tdap if not yet given.
What about anemia?
Your blood volume rises in pregnancy, which naturally lowers your blood count. We treat low iron with iron supplements (take them with vitamin C, not with milk or antacids). Good iron levels lower the chance of needing a blood transfusion if you bleed heavily at delivery. Anemia in pregnancy.
What is GBS testing?
Group B strep is a common bacterium that is harmless to you but can make a newborn very sick. We test everyone with a quick vaginal-rectal swab between 36 and 37 weeks. If it is positive, you get IV antibiotics in labor to protect your baby. More about group B strep.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Go to Labor & Delivery right away for signs of preterm labor (regular contractions, pelvic pressure, fluid leaking, bleeding) or preeclampsia (severe headache, vision changes, pain under the right ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, or shortness of breath).
Next visit: About 2 weeks.
Go to Labor & Delivery right away for heavy vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, decreased fetal movement, severe headache or vision changes, severe abdominal pain, or regular contractions before 37 weeks. Do not wait for a callback. HCA Florida University Hospital Labor & Delivery, 3476 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 · 954-475-5758. In an emergency, call 911. When to call or go to the hospital.
Important: This information is general education about a typical pregnancy. It is not medical advice and may not apply to you. Every patient’s care is personalized to her own health history, test results and needs, so your plan may differ from what is described here. Always follow the instructions your doctor gives you. Questions? Call Davie ObGyn at 954-880-1010. Do not use a routine online message for urgent symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: October 7, 2026. Content follows current recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.