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Before You Deliver

pregnant woman smiling while holding a newborn onesie

When labor begins

  • If you go into labor or your water breaks, call your obstetric care provider right away.
  • He or she will instruct you on when you should come to the Birthplace.

Induced labor

"They took the fear-factor out of labor and delivery and once our baby arrived they hand-held us through the first few nerve-wracking days and nights with a newborn." - Colleen K
Induction is the starting of uterine contractions and labor by the use of vaginal and/or intravenous medications. Your obstetric care provider will discuss with you the reasons for and method to be used to induce your labor.
  • Please call 978.354.3330 and ask to speak to the Nurse-in-Charge regarding your induction time.
  • Arrive at the Birthplace approximately 15 to 30 minutes before your planned induction time.
  • Once you have been admitted, the nurse will review your medical and obstetrical histories, your allergies and medication uses, check your vital signs and the baby’s heart rate. 

Reasons for induction include:

  • Pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • One to two weeks overdue from expected delivery date
  • Rupture of membranes/amniotic sac (broken water) before labor begins
  • Suspected infection in the amniotic sac
  • Abnormal amount of fluid in the sac (high or low)
  • Mother’s medical condition, such as diabetes, chronic high blood pressure or heart disease
  • Concerns about the baby’s growth
  • Logistic factors (history of rapid labor, distance from hospital)