Labor and Delivery

New Patient Appointment or 214-645-3838

The labor and delivery process includes the stages of childbirth that bring a pregnancy to its close and welcome a newborn into the world.

When women choose UT Southwestern for labor and delivery, we understand the trust they have placed in us. We’re committed to providing the highest quality services and medical care for patients and their families during this memorable time in their lives.

What Are the Signs of Labor?

Labor starts when a patient has regular, often painful contractions that cause the cervix to open and thin out. Other signs of labor may include:

Increased pelvic pressure
Loss of watery fluid when the water breaks
Bloody or pink vaginal discharge

Caucasian Young Adult Woman Giving Birth Supported by Partner and Nurse

What Are the Stages of Labor?

First stage: This stage lasts from the start of labor until the cervix is fully open (10 centimeters). It has two phases. The latent phase (less than 6 centimeters) is when the cervix opens slowly. The active phase (6 centimeters to 10 centimeters) is when the cervix opens more quickly.
Second stage: This starts when the cervix is fully open and ends with the birth of the baby.
Third stage: This stage starts after the baby is born and ends when the placenta is delivered.

How to Manage the Stages of Labor

Labor management depends on the stage of labor and the patient’s health and progress. Many factors affect these decisions. The main goal is to help the cervix open and thin so a safe vaginal delivery can occur.

Doctors may use methods to encourage changes to the cervix or intravenous (IV) medications to strengthen contractions. The patient's care plan may change during labor based on:

How their body responds
Their personal preferences
How the baby is tolerating labor

While the goal is to avoid a cesarean section (C-section) for low-risk patients, it may be needed if the:

Cervix does not open as expected
Baby shows signs of distress
Baby cannot move safely through the birth canal

What Are the Types of Labor Support?

Several types of obstetric care providers may be involved during labor, depending on the hospital setting and a patient’s needs.

Ob/Gyn: Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) manage routine labor and delivery. They also treat complications that may arise, including the need for a C-section.
Midwife: Midwives care for patients with low-risk pregnancies. They usually perform spontaneous vaginal deliveries, which means the baby is born through the birth canal without surgery or the use of instruments such as forceps or a vacuum. If a C-section or assisted delivery is needed, an Ob/Gyn provides that care.
Doula: Doulas offer emotional, physical, and educational support during labor. Many also provide support during pregnancy and after birth. Doulas help patients communicate their birth preferences and feel supported during decision-making. They are trained support professionals but not medical providers.
Maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists: MFM specialists are Ob/Gyn physicians with extra training in high-risk pregnancies. They care for patients with medical, pregnancy-related, or fetal conditions. They also have advanced training in ultrasound and fetal evaluation.

What Are the Types of Delivery?

Vaginal delivery: The most common type is a spontaneous vaginal delivery, which is the safest route for most women.
Assisted vaginal delivery: Some women reach full cervical dilation but need help delivering the baby. In these cases, a doctor may use forceps or a vacuum to assist with delivery. These tools may be used if the mother is very tired from pushing for a long time, if the baby’s head is not well aligned with the pelvis, or if there are signs the baby is not tolerating labor during the second stage.
C-section: If a vaginal delivery cannot be completed safely, a C-section may be needed. During this surgical procedure, the baby is delivered through an incision made in the woman’s abdomen and uterus.
VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean): After having an initial C-section, some patients may attempt a vaginal birth in a later pregnancy. Many studies show that most women who attempt a VBAC are able to deliver vaginally, though it’s important to discuss risks with a provider.

What Can Patients Expect During Labor?

We provide a range of flexible birthing options. A staff doctor and a midwife are available 24/7. Anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists are also available 24/7 to provide an epidural as soon as it is requested. For moms interested in natural birth, we provide several options, such as labor (birthing) balls and aromatherapy.

All labor and delivery rooms are private suites, with extra room and comfortable sleeping accommodations for family members. All patient rooms include an in-room stereo system that can play music from any mobile device and extra charging stations for electronic devices.

What Can Patients Expect After Delivery?

New mothers stay in their labor and delivery suite for two hours after having their babies. Newborns stay with their mothers during this time, with skin-to-skin contact for optimal bonding. Women start breastfeeding, and our nurses will take footprints of each baby. Each mother and baby receives identification bands. Visitors are welcome after the delivery.

Recovering from Delivery

Our nurses transition mothers and their newborns to postpartum rooms for rest and recovery. Obstetricians and maternity nurses monitor mothers and babies, and the rooms provide space for a visitor to stay overnight.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Labor and Delivery?

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our obstetricians, labor and delivery nurses, and maternity nurses are dedicated to providing the best possible birth experience for women and families. With advanced training and years of experience, we provide compassionate care for mothers, babies, and their families throughout labor and delivery.

Our goal is to tailor the birth experience to each family’s needs and preferences and make this time as special as their newborn child. The private labor and delivery suites and postpartum rooms combine modern technology with a warm, homelike environment. With a room service menu of chef-prepared dishes, patients can order meals that are delivered directly to their rooms.

Our experienced nurses help make the labor, delivery, and postpartum experience safe and comfortable for mother and baby. Patients also have access to lactation consultants for breastfeeding support.

Specialized Neonatal Care

For newborns who need specialized care, UT Southwestern offers the highest levels of care for critically ill babies. Our Level IIIB neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital is staffed by pediatric neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners. A Level IV NICU at nearby Children’s Health cares for newborns who require surgery soon after birth.

Texas Ten Step Program

UT Southwestern is part of the Texas Ten Step Program, which involves a highly compassionate approach to promoting, supporting, and protecting breastfeeding. Our team at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital includes International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) available seven days a week. Our Women’s Resource Center provides ongoing breastfeeding support and education.

U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals for obstetrics & gynecology

Nationally Ranked in Ob/Gyn

UT Southwestern Medical Center is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top hospitals for obstetric and gynecological care.

Take a Virtual Tour of Our Labor and Delivery Suites

Before the big day arrives, get a preview of the accommodations for new moms at UT Southwestern's Clements University Hospital. From the chef-prepared meals to the roomy, high-tech labor and delivery suites, we want to make sure that mom, baby, and the family have the opportunity to bond in a safe and soothing environment.