Labor & Delivery - Galveston

Overview:

Continuous fetal monitoring uses electronic equipment to track a baby’s heart rate and the timing of contractions during labor. This information helps the care team respond quickly if there are signs that the baby may be under stress. Monitoring may be done externally, with sensors placed on the abdomen, or internally, using a small monitor inside the uterus, depending on the situation.

During labor and delivery, continuous fetal monitoring is part of standard care for all births. For higher-risk pregnancies, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists help guide monitoring plans and interpret results to support safe decision-making.

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Delayed cord clamping means waiting a short time after birth before cutting the umbilical cord. This gives extra blood and iron from the placenta to the baby.

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An epidural is the most common form of pain relief in labor. It delivers medication around the spinal nerves to reduce or block pain while keeping you awake and alert. It is helpful for patients with long or difficult labors or those who want stronger pain control.

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Induction of labor is used to help start labor when continuing the pregnancy may no longer be the safest option. This may be planned during prenatal care or recommended later in pregnancy based on your health or your baby’s needs.

Your Obstetrics provider works with you to decide if induction is appropriate and helps plan the timing. The Labor & Delivery team carries out the induction in the hospital and closely monitors you and your baby throughout the process.

Conditions Treated:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes during pregnancy
• Growth concerns
• Post-term pregnancy

Overview:

Pain medication can also be given through an IV. These medicines may be given at set times or through a pump that allows you to control your own doses. This option is helpful for patients who prefer not to have an epidural or need pain relief before one is placed.

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Skin-to-skin contact means placing your newborn directly on your chest right after birth. This simple practice helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. It also supports bonding and breastfeeding.

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An assisted vaginal delivery is used when labor is not progressing as expected or when the baby needs to be delivered more quickly. A provider may use tools such as a vacuum device or forceps to help guide the baby out while avoiding a cesarean delivery when possible. These deliveries are performed by the Labor & Delivery team. In some cases, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists may be consulted if the pregnancy is high-risk or the baby shows signs of distress.

Overview:

A cesarean delivery, or C-section, is a surgical way to deliver a baby through the abdomen and uterus. Some C-sections are planned during pregnancy, while others are done unexpectedly or in an emergency to protect the health of the patient or baby.

Your Obstetrics provider may plan a scheduled C-section during prenatal care when needed. The Labor & Delivery team performs the surgery at the time of birth. In more complex or high-risk pregnancies, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists may assist with planning or co-manage care.

Conditions Treated:

• Pregnancy complications affecting delivery
• Failure of labor to progress
• Fetal distress

Overview:

A trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) gives some patients the option to attempt a vaginal birth after a previous C-section (VBAC). This option is carefully planned based on your health, pregnancy, and prior delivery history.

Care is supported by a team approach, with obstetricians and anesthesia specialists available in-house 24/7. For higher-risk pregnancies, maternal-fetal medicine specialists specialists help guide care. Our team is prepared to respond quickly if needed, including performing an emergency cesarean delivery.

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A vaginal delivery happens when a patient delivers vaginally without vacuum or forceps. This is the most common type of delivery for low-risk pregnancies.

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Breastfeeding and lactation support helps parents start and continue feeding their baby. Support begins in the hospital with the Labor & Delivery team and continues through postpartum and outpatient visits with Obstetrics.

Conditions Treated:

• Difficulty with breastfeeding or latching
• Low milk supply
• Breast pain or discomfort

Overview:

After birth, monitoring helps ensure your body is healing and recovering as expected. The Labor & Delivery team provides initial monitoring during your hospital stay. Your Obstetrics provider continues to monitor recovery during postpartum visits. For medically complex recoveries, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists may also be involved.

Conditions Treated:

• Infection after delivery
• Heavy bleeding
• Blood pressure concerns
• Recovery after complicated birth

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During a vaginal birth, tears in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) can occur. These are called perineal lacerations and are common, especially in first births. Tears are repaired right after delivery to support healing and prevent complications.

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Postpartum education and support help you care for yourself and your baby after birth. Education begins during your hospital stay and continues through postpartum visits with your Obstetrics provider.

Conditions Treated:

• Questions about recovery after birth
• Infant care concerns
• Emotional or physical adjustment after delivery

Overview:

Postpartum tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control done after childbirth. The decision to have this procedure is made during prenatal care with your Obstetrics provider. When performed right after delivery, the Labor & Delivery team completes the procedure during your hospital stay.

At the Angleton campus, this procedure is available only after six weeks postpartum.

Overview:

A cesarean delivery with hysterectomy is a specialized surgery performed at delivery when the uterus must be removed to control severe bleeding. Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists lead planning for these high-risk cases, often related to placenta accreta spectrum, with surgery performed by the labor and delivery team.

Conditions Treated:

• Placenta accreta spectrum
• Severe uncontrolled bleeding at delivery

Overview:

Postpartum hemorrhage is heavy bleeding during or after birth. Labor and delivery teams provide emergency treatment, while Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists lead or assist when bleeding is linked to complex conditions.

Conditions Treated:

• Placenta accreta spectrum
• Uterine atony
• Surgical complications

Overview:

Maternal critical care, guided by world experts in the field, provides advanced care for pregnant or postpartum patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. This care is led by Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists and may include ICU-level monitoring and treatment. At UTMB, maternal critical care is provided at the Galveston Labor and Delivery unit.

Patients at other UTMB locations are transferred to Galveston when this level of care is needed.

Conditions Treated:

• Severe pregnancy complications
• Organ failure
• Life-threatening medical emergencies

Overview:

Some people may have deeper vaginal tears during childbirth. Repair of severe vaginal tears is a procedure done after delivery to help the tissues heal properly. Repairing these tears helps reduce bleeding, supports healing, and lowers the risk of long-term problems.

Conditions Treated:

• Third-degree vaginal tears
• Fourth-degree vaginal tears
• Significant tissue damage after vaginal delivery

Overview:

Treatment for a C-section scar focuses on healing, comfort, and long-term recovery after a cesarean birth. Most care is provided after delivery during postpartum visits with your Obstetrics provider. Treatment may be recommended if a scar causes pain, poor healing, or other concerns. In some cases, treatment is addressed right after delivery if immediate repair is needed.

In rare cases, treatment may be needed immediately after delivery if the incision requires surgical revision. When this happens, the Labor & Delivery team provides care in the hospital before you begin routine postpartum recovery with Obstetrics.

Conditions Treated:

• Pain or discomfort at a C-section scar
• Poor or delayed wound healing
• Scar tissue that affects recovery
• Infection or separation of the incision
• Cosmetic or functional scar concerns