Health Tip: Getting Ready for Birth

Be prepared before you leave for the hospital

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(HealthDay News) -- The nursery is ready, the tiny outfits washed, and the infant seat is installed in the car.

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Not so fast. Before you leave for the hospital, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says you should also make these preparations:

• Know your doctor's phone number for any time of day.
• Understand what your doctor requires when you're in labor, including whether you should immediately go to the hospital or take other special action.
• Figure out how long it takes to get to the hospital, as well as how you're going to get there.
• Consider how long the trip will take based on time of day, such as during rush hour.
• Make sure you have made arrangements for other children and pets.
• Prepare to tell your employer that you've gone into labor and are about to deliver. Arrange to have your duties handled by someone else while you're on maternity leave.

-- Diana Kohnle