Prepare for Labor & Delivery

Learn how to get ready for childbirth at UNC Health Johnston, and discover what to expect when you come to the Women’s Pavilion in Smithfield or Women’s Center in Clayton.

When Should I Go to the Hospital?

Go to the hospital if you:

• Have had contractions every five minutes for an hour
• Have vaginal bleeding or persistent pain in your abdomen
• Your water breaks

Call your doctor or midwife whenever you have questions about your or your baby’s health.

What Should I Bring to the Hospital?

Pack a bag with:

• Your insurance card
• Your photo id
• Birth plan if you have one
• Anything to promote comfort (hair ties, lip balm, etc.)
• Toiletries
• Bring loose fitting clothes and nursing bra, if you’ll breastfeed, for going home

Install a car seat 

To ensure your baby’s safe ride home, you must install a car seat in the vehicle you’ll take to the hospital. Do this before your due date.  Click here to find a certified technician who can install your baby’s seat properly.

What Happens When I Arrive?

When you arrive, a nurse will take you to our triage room to check your stage of labor. You’ll be placed on a fetal monitor that tracks your contractions and baby’s heart rate. Then, you’ll either be admitted to the hospital or sent home to wait for labor to progress further.

How Many Visitors Can I Have?*

Up to three people at a time may visit you in the labor and delivery room, and your partner may stay overnight. In the triage room, there’s space for one person to join you.

*This is subject to change. 

When Do I Go Home?

You’ll likely stay in the hospital for one to three days. Before you leave, a nurse will give you instructions for postpartum self-care at home and help you make follow-up appointments with your doctor or midwife.

We’ll also ask the name of the pediatrician you will take your baby to after discharge. If you do not have one, ask us for help finding a doctor for your newborn.