Labor and Delivery Care in Wellesley, MA | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, we believe childbirth should be met with expert guidance and genuine personal support. Labor and delivery is one of the most vulnerable and transformative experiences of a woman’s life, and we are honored to walk alongside you through every contraction, decision, and milestone that comes with labor and childbirth. Our approach blends clinical excellence with the compassionate care you deserve as you welcome your baby into the world.
To schedule your obstetric appointment in Wellesley, call (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online. Comprehensive labor and delivery care starts right here.
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What is Labor & Delivery?
Labor and delivery is the exciting time that is commonly used to describe the process your body goes through to bring your baby into the world. When a woman is in labor, contractions of the uterus occur and the cervix changes to prepare a woman’s body to give birth. This is the opening of the uterus that allows the baby to be born.
Every woman experiences labor differently, based on her body and her baby. As your due date approaches, it is good to learn about the different types and stages of labor as you prepare for delivery so that you can feel more confident and prepared. The board-certified OB/GYNs at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates bring extensive experience in labor and delivery care, and we are here to support you at every step. Call (781) 235-4000 to request an obstetric appointment at our OB/GYN clinic in Wellesley today.
The Three Stages of Labor
Pre-Term Labor
Pre-term labor occurs more than three weeks before your due date, and can present as:
- Menstrual-like cramps
- Pressure in the pelvis
- A dull ache in the lower back
- New vaginal discharge, particularly if pink or red in color
- Cramping or pain every 10 minutes or less that does not subside after rest, fluids, or emptying your bladder
If you notice any of these signs, reach out to your provider right away.
False Labor
False labor contractions tend to be irregular and unpredictable. Pain may come and go, easing when you rest, and it does not intensify over time. A cervical exam during false labor typically shows no cervical change. False labor commonly presents itself with these signs:
- Contractions may be irregular
- Pain will come and go
- Contractions subside or lessen when resting
- Contractions do NOT get stronger
- No cervical change is noted when a provider or nurse completes a cervical exam
True Labor
True labor contractions follow a regular, steady pattern and grow more intense as time passes. You may find it difficult to walk or talk through them, and rest does not make them subside. Other signs of true labor include:
- Contractions occur at a regular rate
- Discomfort increases
- You will have difficulty walking or talking through the contractions
- Contractions do not subside when resting
- Bloody show or vaginal discharge
- Rectal pressure feeling as if you need to have a bowel movement
When Should I Go to the Hospital?
Knowing when to head to the hospital is one of the most common questions expectant mothers ask – especially first-time mothers who are still uncovering all the different feelings of pregnancy, being in labor, and giving birth. One way to know when you are progressing is to time your contractions.
- How to Time Your Contractions: Note the moment your first contraction begins, then measure the time until your next contraction starts.
- When to Seek Care: For most first-time mothers, it’s time to head in once contractions are five minutes apart or closer, for at least an hour, with each one lasting a minute or more.
- When In Doubt, Come In: It is always better to be seen and reassured than to wait too long. Trust your body and your instincts to tell you when it’s time to be seen. The peace of mind that comes with being surrounded by professional care is always worth the trip.
How Will I Know When It’s Time for Delivery?
Delivery is the exciting time when your baby is ready to come into the world, and it follows naturally as true labor progresses. Most babies are born somewhere around the 40-week mark. As you attend your regular checkups, you will be monitored to see how your body is progressing and preparing for delivery.
- Early Term: Your baby is born between 37 – 38 weeks
- Full Term: Your baby is born between 39 – 40 weeks
- Late Term: Your baby is born at 41 weeks
- Post Term: Your baby is born after 42 weeks
How Can I Prepare for Delivery?
As you get closer to your due date, here are some things to keep in mind prior to delivery:
- Scheduled Delivery: Not every baby arrives on the predicted timeline your doctor gives you. They very much have a mind of their own. Sometimes a baby needs extra help, and you may not go into labor on your own. Depending on your health and your baby’s position, your provider may recommend induction or a scheduled C-section.
- Take a Hospital Tour: Touring our labor and delivery facilities ahead of time can help you feel more at ease and familiar with your surroundings when the big day arrives.
- Don’t Hesitate to Speak Up: Once you arrive, don’t hesitate to share how you’re feeling with your nursing team, especially if you’re in pain. Open communication helps us monitor and support you exactly as you need.
Building Your Birth Plan
A birth plan is a wonderful way to express your hopes and preferences for delivery day, giving our team the information we need to support your vision as closely as possible. You might consider including:
- Your preferred laboring positions or techniques
- Who you’d like present in the room during delivery
- Comfort items you’d like on hand, such as a birthing ball, mirror, or music
- Your preference around pain management and medications
- How you’d like to hold your baby immediately after birth
- Your wishes regarding cord cutting or delivering the placenta
While we always aim to honor your birth plan, please keep in mind that if unexpected circumstances arise, the health and safety of you and your baby will always come first. Your OB/GYN is committed to helping you have the safest, most positive delivery experience, in a safe and caring environment.
Types of Delivery
Every delivery is different, and our team is here to answer your questions at every checkup leading up to the big day.
The common types of delivery include:
- Vaginal delivery
- Assisted vaginal delivery (vacuum or forceps)
- C-section (Cesarean birth)
- VBAC (vaginal delivery after cesarean birth)
If you’ve had a C-section in the past, you may be a candidate for a VBAC. Your OB/GYN will discuss your baby’s position, your overall health, and the risks and benefits involved so that you can make the choice that’s right for you. In some cases, a vacuum or forceps may be recommended to help guide delivery if your baby’s position calls for extra support.
No matter which way the baby enters the world, it will be an exciting time. Your OB/GYN will have your best interest in mind throughout the process and always keep you monitored and well-informed throughout your labor and delivery experience.
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates to Be Your Labor and Delivery Care Team?
Families across Boston have trusted us to guide them through some of life’s most significant moments, and welcoming a new baby is no exception. We carry a decades-long legacy forward while continuing to reimagine what labor and delivery care can look like: attentive, personal, and centered entirely on you, your partner, and your baby.
Our board-certified OB/GYNs bring deep clinical expertise to every delivery, paired with the kind of steady, reassuring presence that helps you feel safe and supported through each stage of labor. We know that no two birth experiences are alike, which is why we take the time to understand your goals, honor your birth plan whenever possible, and keep you informed every step of the way, so you never feel rushed or left guessing.
From your first prenatal visit through the moment that you hold your baby for the first time, our team is committed to full-spectrum, whole-person care in an environment built for comfort and confidence. You are never just another delivery on the schedule. You are a mother about to meet her baby, and we consider it a privilege to be part of that journey with you.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
No matter which way the baby enters the world, it will be an exciting time. At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, your OB/GYN will have your and your baby’s best interest in mind throughout the process and always keep you monitored and well-informed throughout your labor and delivery experience.
Call (781) 235-4000 to request an obstetric appointment at our OB/GYN clinic in Wellesley, MA today.
Labor and Delivery Care FAQS
How long does labor usually last for a first-time mother?
Labor length varies widely between women, but first-time mothers often experience labor lasting anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. Early labor tends to take up the most time, while active labor and pushing typically move more quickly. Your care team will monitor your progress throughout to keep you informed and as comfortable as possible every step of the way.
What pain relief options are available during labor?
Boston moms have several options for managing labor pain, ranging from natural techniques like breathing exercises, movement, and warm water immersion to medical options such as an epidural or IV pain medication. Your OB/GYN can walk you through the benefits and considerations of each so that you can choose what feels right for you.
Can I eat or drink during labor?
Guidelines around eating and drinking during labor depend on your individual situation and how your labor is progressing. Many women are able to have clear liquids or light snacks during early labor, while restrictions may apply as labor advances or if a C-section becomes a possibility. Your care team will guide you based on your specific circumstances.
Who can be in the delivery room with me?
Most hospitals allow you to choose a support person or a small group of loved ones to be present during delivery, whether that’s a partner, family member, friend, or doula. Building this into your birth plan ahead of time helps make sure your wishes are known and respected on delivery day.
What happens immediately after my baby is born?
Right after birth, your baby will typically be placed skin-to-skin on your chest while your care team checks vital signs and overall health. This is often followed by delivering the placenta, initial newborn assessments, and, if desired, your baby’s first attempt at breastfeeding. All of this will be happening while your care team keeps a close eye on your recovery.