Labor and Delivery

Learrn more about Women and Children’s health at Cook County Health.

Additional resources:

• Care for Mom & Baby Booklet – English
• Cuidado Médico para la Mamá y el Bebé – Spanish 

As you near your due date, it’s normal to experience contractions or false labor.

Many expectant moms have contractions, but they tend to weaken or go away after a short time. To know for sure you’re going into labor, here are a few signs:

• Your “water breaks,” which is a gush or stream of clear fluid from your vagina
• Regular contractions
• Increasing time-periods between contractions
• Pink-colored or blood-streaked discharge from your vagina

Notify your obstetrician when you’ve experienced early signs of labor. Depending on your contractions, they will tell you when to go to the hospital. Some obstetricians want you to go immediately to the hospital, while others want your cervix dilated to a certain point.

Every woman’s labor and delivery experience is unique. Whether you are in labor for many hours or just a few, our team is committed to providing personalized support, answering your questions, and guiding you through the delivery process.

At John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital, private labor and delivery suites are designed for comfort and include guest beds, flat-screen TVs and reclining chairs. Lactation consultants are available to support families with feeding questions.

Before your delivery, pack a hospital bag with a nightgown, robe or sweater, slippers, a change of clothes, personal items, eyeglasses, a maternity bra, nursing pads, your phone and charger, insurance information and your birth plan. During your stay, the hospital provides basic toiletries, towels, socks, diapers and a set of baby clothing.

Vaginal birth

During delivery, your cervix will need to dilate to 10 centimeters before you can begin to push. How long it takes for your cervix to expand depends on the person; however, on average, it takes about an hour to dilate one centimeter.

Your pain may begin to increase at this time. Talk to your health care team to understand your options about anesthesia, such as an epidural, or other pain medication.

Once your contractions are 60 to 90 seconds apart, your doctor may want you to begin to push. Delivering your baby might take a few minutes or a few hours. Your baby’s head will come out first, followed by the rest of the body. Your medical team will check the airway and cut the umbilical cord. Following the delivery of the baby, you will need to deliver the placenta.

Cesarean (C-Sections) delivery

Another option for delivery is a Cesarean section, also known as a C-section, which is a surgical option to deliver the baby through the abdomen. It is common for C-section births to be decided during labor. However, many women plan a C-section in advance because it is a safer option than a vaginal birth if they previously had a C-section or if they develop complications during pregnancy.

You may be recommended for a C-section if you experience:

• Active genital herpes
• Baby is in distress
• Baby is in an abnormal position
• Multiple pregnancies
• Obstruction in the birth canal
• Problem with the placenta
• Severe health problems
• Stalled labor

Postpartum care
Comprehensive follow-up care to ensure a smooth transition to motherhood, focusing on the mother’s physical recovery and emotional well-being. Before you leave the hospital, your care team can help arrange your postpartum appointment and your baby’s first doctor visit. You can also receive breastfeeding and breast pump education, guidance on car seat safety and information about optional newborn photos.

Newborn care
Pediatric care for your baby is available through Cook County Health. Learn more.

Well-women care
Our OB/GYNs provide personalized care tailored to the changing health needs of women at different stages of life.
Learn more.