In the last several weeks before delivery, your body starts to prepare for your baby’s debut. Your cervix starts to soften and thin out (effacing) and also begins to dilate. The thick plug of mucous that blocked the cervix during pregnancy may fall out. It’s common to see streaks of blood, especially after cervical exams in the office. Losing your mucous plug isn’t a sign that active labor is beginning, so you don’t need to worry when this happens. Labor could happen days or weeks later.
Your body will let you know when baby is on the way. If you experience any of these signs of labor, go to labor and delivery, as planned with your physician:
- If you have regular, painful contractions that have increased in intensity and frequency over time. Generally, contractions should be every 3–5 minutes (lasting 60 seconds) for 1–2 hours before you head to the hospital (if your baby is full-term). Adjust that time frame if you are traveling a long distance to get to the hospital, if you have a history of rapid labor or if your cervical dilation is advanced (typically greater than 3cm).
- If you think you are leaking amniotic fluid, also known as your water breaking.
- If you have any concerns regarding your baby’s movements.
- If you have bleeding in excess of bloody mucous.
Labor and Delivery
Labor and Delivery at Baptist Health is located on the second floor of the Women First office building at 3900 Kresge Way, Louisville.
When you arrive, proceed to the same the entrance you use when visiting our office and go to the second floor; do NOT go through the emergency room. At the hospital, you will be evaluated by the labor nurse, and your Women First Care Team will be contacted.
- Items for comfort, such as your own pillow, toiletries, etc.
- Camera with fully charged battery and adapter
- Cell phone and charger
- Comfortable robe and house shoes
- Loose fitting clothing for the ride home
- An outfit for the baby
- Car seat already in the car and inspected
- Insurance card
- Any medications that you take
- Name and contact information of your baby’s doctor/pediatrician
- Personal undergarments—i.e., nursing bra
Most births are natural experiences, and the physicians at Women First want you to have as natural a birth experience as possible. We also view pregnancy and delivery as a cooperative endeavor between physician and patient to provide a healthy outcome for both mother and baby. The following guidelines for a typical birth help you bring your baby into the world safely and naturally.
- Presence of husband or significant other at all times through labor and delivery
- Presence of baby’s siblings if appropriately prepared
- No shave prep
- No enema
- Saline lock rather than continuous IV fluid
- Labor positioning as you desire
- No episiotomy unless necessary for delivery of your baby
- Option to use nitrous oxide for pain relief during labor
- Intermittent fetal monitoring after 30 minutes when a normal fetal heart rate is documented
- Wireless telemetry
- Spontaneous delivery of the placenta
- Ambulation in early stages of labor provided fetal heart rate is checked
- Ice chips, popsicles and sips of clear liquids
- Kangaroo Care (skin-to-skin holding of newborn baby)
- Delayed cord clamping
At Women First, we believe in helping you champion your own birthing experience so that it is all you’ve ever imagined it to be. Our birthing plan guide is designed to help you consider your personal preferences for the childbirth process. If you are interested in customizing your birthing options, please download the Women First Birthing Plan PDF here, select your preferences, and bring them to your 36-week appointment to review with your physician. You will also need to bring a copy with you to the hospital to give to your labor and delivery nurse on the “big day”!
As much as we want to help you experience a natural childbirth, some births require a little extra help. That may mean that your first preference for your birthing plan is not possible—to ensure your safety and that of your baby. If that should happen, we’ll keep you informed of your new choices and work closely with you to achieve your birthing goals in a safe and nurturing delivery environment.
The following interventions may be used if needed for your baby’s or your wellbeing.
- Pitocin IV to assist contractions and to prevent hemorrhage
- Rupture of membranes
- Oxygen administration
- Continuous fetal monitoring by internal monitors
- Cesarean section
- Manual delivery of placenta should hemorrhage occur
Each birth is unique to that mother and child, and the guidelines and procedures shown here certainly don’t make up an exhaustive list of what can happen during labor and delivery. We encourage you to talk with your doctor about your wishes for labor and delivery, share your Birthing Plan guide selections at your 36-week visit, and bring us any questions you have at any time. Your Care Team wants to have a positive relationship with you, based on mutual respect and a true partnership for the benefit of you and your baby.
Women First wants to support you in the birth experience YOU want. If you have had a cesarean section in a prior delivery, it’s very possible you can have a vaginal delivery in your next pregnancy.
You have options if you have had a prior cesarean section. You can plan a scheduled repeat C-section that will be done even if you are laboring. You can also explore Trial of Labor After Cesarean (TOLAC), with the goal of having a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, or VBAC.
With VBAC, you may be able to experience a planned vaginal birth with your baby. There are many benefits of a VBAC, but there are also risks. The benefits include no abdominal surgery, usually shorter recovery from delivery, less risk of infection, and less blood loss. The biggest risk of VBAC is that the prior uterine scar may rupture. While this is uncommon, when this happens, it is an obstetrical emergency that can be life-threatening for baby and/or mom.
While 60-80% is the accepted standard success rate for VBAC, Women First is proud of having a significantly higher VBAC success rate. We work with our patients who are pregnant to determine the best candidates to try to labor. So, for our patients who attempt a trial of labor, we have close to 90% who achieve successful vaginal deliveries.
Who Can Have a VBAC?
Favorable factors for VBAC include prior vaginal delivery and the reason for the prior C-section. When the prior cesarean was done for a non-recurring reason, such as breech position, the baby not tolerating labor, or previa, chances of successful VBAC are best. Recurring reasons would include things such as the baby being too big to fit or labor not progressing. We also do not recommend trying to labor if a mom has had more than one prior cesarean section.
One of the biggest contributors to a successful VBAC is spontaneous labor. Women First doesn’t aggressively induce labor in moms with prior C-sections, so spontaneous labor is a major factor in a successful vaginal birth after C-section.
Use the calculator below to input your personal information and get your individual calculated success rate.
There is always the chance that issues may arise, so Women First spends time with you to review your concerns and expectations, discuss your risks and benefits, and help plan your best delivery experience. Baptist Health Louisville is a VBAC-friendly hospital supportive of your choices. They also have the ability to deal with a VBAC emergency should it happen. Either way, you’ll receive exceptional care throughout your entire labor and delivery.
If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant and want to explore the options of a vaginal birth after cesarean section, talk with Women First. We’re here to help you make an informed decision that’s best for you and your baby.
Baby’s Here!
Once your new baby has arrived, so does a whole set of new questions! Here’s some basic information to get you started on your journey as parents to this beautiful little bundle. Feel free to contact our office with other questions or concerns: 502.891.8700.
If you have a vehicle made after September 2002, it should be equipped with the new LATCH car seat attachment system. This new anchor system makes safety seats easier to install because you no longer need to use seat belts to secure them. Be sure to purchase your baby’s car seat, install it, and bring it with you to the hospital.
Babies who sleep on their stomachs are much more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than babies who sleep on their backs. To reduce your risk of SIDS, always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. Do not co-sleep or put your baby in bed with you. Place your baby on a firm sleep surface. Never place your baby on pillows, and keep baby’s crib free of bumper pads, loose blankets and stuffed toys. Don’t overheat the baby during sleep. Do not smoke around your baby.
“Tummy time” when your baby is awake and you are nearby is good for your baby and helps reduce molding of baby’s head, but not when baby is sleeping. For more information, go to www.sids.org.
For most women, having a baby is an exciting time. Yet, after childbirth, many mothers feel sad, angry, afraid, or anxious. Most new mothers (about 70–80%) have these feelings in a mild form called postpartum blues. This is a passing state of heightened emotions.
About 10% of new mothers have a more serious condition called postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum depression is more intense and lasts longer. Women with PPD have strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, tearfulness, fatigue, suicidal thoughts or impaired concentration. PPD often requires counseling and treatment. Postpartum depression can occur after any birth. Please call us if you feel you have any of these signs. Help is readily available.
Women First refers to a wonderful therapist Donna Huber. Donna is a licensed clinical social worker who has worked in the mental health field for more than 15 years. She specializes in the treatment of perinatal mood disorders, as well as other concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Donna treats women between the ages of 18–55, is in-network with Anthem® and Humana® insurance, and accepts many other plans as out-of-network coverage. You may schedule an appointment with Donna by calling 502.550.7718.
Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?
Your annual women’s health appointment is a vital part of your health care, and the perfect time to talk to your Care Team about your personal health questions.
Is it Time to Schedule Your Annual Wellness Exam?
What People Are Saying
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Lindsey Kaelin26 October 2026Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Truly one of the best women’s health visits I have ever had! Emily Fountain is so incredible and listened to all of my concerns and offered so many options to me that have NEVER been offered to me by any other healthcare provider before. I felt truly cared for. The staff is amazing and kind and QUICK! And the office is beautifully decorated and clean. I will never go anywhere else ever again!Posted on Google
Madison Buckner19 October 2026It can be difficult to feel heard when it comes to women’s health, however Dr. Aiken always takes her time & answers question’s thoroughly. Couldn’t recommend her enough!Posted on Google
Lauren Hayes25 September 2026Ultrasound tech, Emma, was phenomenal! She was so compassionate and took her time to make our experience great. We really appreciate the care she took during our ultrasound.Posted on Google
Sidney12 August 2026Highly recommend! From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, my care was thoughtful, caring, and the furthest thing from feeling dismissed at a doctor’s office. Ellie did a wonderful job making me feel heard, comfortable and validate what I had been experiencing. For a first visit, I left feeling reassured and grateful that I chose this office.Posted on Google
Charisa McMahon21 July 2026I highly recommend Audrey Fenwick. She truly takes the time to listen and never makes me feel rushed during my appointments. I always feel like my concerns are heard and taken seriously. What I appreciate most is that she’s willing to explore different treatment options rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. She works with me until we find a plan that we’re both comfortable with, and I always leave feeling confident that I’ve received thoughtful, personalized care. It’s refreshing to have a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in helping her patients feel their best.Posted on Google
Amy Curry26 June 2026Dr. Shannon was a great provider during my last pregnancy with twins! She answered every question I had, kept me in the loop on all the clinical decisions and options I had available, and made me feel safe and heard during all of my interactions with her and her staff. All of the staff at Women’s first always took great care of me and my babies no matter what concern I had at the time.Posted on Google
Rhonda Eichenberger20 June 2026They are always all so nice and welcoming. I just love Brook McAfee, APRN, she is awesome!Posted on Google
Robin12 June 2026Dr Grider is the best Doctor. Very thorough, kind and personable!Posted on Google
Cathy Carter4 June 2026I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the services provided by Dr. Anne L. Oliphant and the staff at Women First of Louisville. Dr. Oliphant and staff exhibit outstanding professionalism, punctuality and courtesy. I highly recommend Dr. Oliphant based on the fact that she is an exceptionally skilled and compassionate physician who truly takes the time to listen to her patients. Throughout my appointments, she and the staff made me feel completely at ease. She thoroughly explained my diagnosis and patiently answered all my questions without ever making me feel rushed. I had to do bloodwork during my last appointment. The clinicians and staff were especially friendly and professional as well. Dr. Oliphant’s, and the staff’s, empathetic bedside manner and clear communication elicit standout medical providers in the specialized field of menopause medicine. I believe that Dr. Oliphant has really listened to my concerns and has taken the time to support my health journey. I highly recommend her and the staff to anyone seeking personalized and highly effective care.Posted on Google
Nancy Nance3 June 2026I have been a patient here for over 25 years. The best of care for any need I have had ! Simply the best !
