Bump & Beyond

Labor & Delivery Places: What to Know about Where You’ll Go

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When you come to BMC for care or to give birth, you’ll follow the signs to Labor and Delivery, or L&D. But did you know that there are a lot of different spaces that you might see as part of coming to L&D and after you give birth? Learn about these areas and what happens in each below. 

What is Yawkey Labor and Delivery Triage?

Triage is the first place you go when you get to the hospital and think you might be in labor or have a problem during pregnancy. This is the place where the healthcare team helps decide if you should stay at the hospital.  

  • If you have a pregnancy problem BEFORE you are 20 weeks pregnant, you should go to the emergency room. Contact your clinic or the emergency phone numbers first, if possible, to see if the emergency room is the right place for you.
  • If you have a pregnancy problem AFTER you are 20 weeks pregnant, you should go to Yawkey 4th floor Labor and Delivery triage. Contact your clinic or the emergency phone numbers first, if possible, to see if the labor and delivery triage is the right place for you. 

How to get to Yawkey Labor and Delivery triage

Know Before You Go

  • Call first! Sometimes we can help you over the phone.
  • Get a badge from Security.
  • If you are less than 20 weeks pregnant, go to the emergency room.
  • If you are 20 weeks or more, go to Labor and Delivery triage.
  • If you are going to triage, ask someone to help watch your children.
    • The triage area is not safe for children.

What Will Happen When I Go to Yawkey Labor and Delivery Triage?

The goal of the care team in triage is to figure out if you might have a problem or if you’re in labor, so they can decide if you should stay at the hospital.

Here’s what will happen:

  • A nurse, midwife, or doctor will check on you and your baby.
  • You can have one support person with you in Labor and Delivery triage.  
  • Someone will ask you questions, check your blood pressure, and listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
  • You may have an exam, including a vaginal or cervical exam.
  • You may have blood taken for tests.
  • You may get medicine.
  • The team will help you decide if:
    • You should stay at the hospital
    • If you should go to the Labor and Delivery area
    • If you are safe to go home
    • If you should come back later

Why Should I Come to Yawkey Labor and Delivery Triage?

You’ll come to triage when you think your labor has started, but you can also come if you’re more than 20 weeks pregnant and think you might have a problem with your pregnancy.  

You can learn more about warning signs of pregnancy problems here.

What is Labor and Delivery?

Labor and Delivery is the hospital area where people go to give birth. You’ll go there if you are:

  • In labor
  • Having a planned C-section

If you have a pregnancy problem, you may stay on Labor and Delivery.  

Nurses, midwives, and doctors in Labor and Delivery will help you during labor, birth, and after the baby is born.

What is Antepartum?

Antepartum is the hospital area where some people stay before the baby is born if they have a pregnancy or health problem.

  • If you have problems during pregnancy and need to stay in the hospital before labor, you may be admitted to the antepartum area.
  • This area is for pregnant patients who need extra care and monitoring to keep you and your baby safe.
  • A nurse and a doctor will check on you and your baby.

What is the Postpartum Unit?

The Postpartum Unit is the hospital area where people stay after birth.

  • You get care and support as you heal.
  • Your baby stays in your room with you.
  • Your baby gets check-ups and care.
  • You get help with feeding your baby.
  • Nurses, midwives, doctors, lactation consultants, and pediatricians will visit to check on you and your baby.

What is the Newborn Nursery?

The Newborn Nursery is the hospital area where newborn babies can get extra care if needed.  

  • Babies will have an exam in the newborn nursery.
  • If babies need extra care, they can stay in the nursery.
  • Most babies stay in your room after birth. If they go to the nursery, they will usually come back to your room as soon as possible.  
  • A nurse and a doctor will check on you and your baby after they move to your room.

What is the NICU?

The NICU is the neonatal intensive care unit. This is the hospital area where newborn babies get intensive care if needed.  

  • Babies will have care around the clock from a nurse and doctor.  
  • Babies get extra care if they have health problems after birth.
  • If your baby goes to the NICU, you and a support person can visit the baby anytime.
  • Lactation counseling support is available if you need it.  

More FAQs about labor and delivery

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