If you haven't selected a pediatrician yet, please do so. You should have a peditrician selected before your baby is born.

Between 35-37 weeks of your pregnancy, a routine test called Group B Strep (or GBS) will be done.

• What is it?  It is a type of bacteria found to be responsible for serious infection of newborns. Babies pick up the bacteria when they are delivered through the vagina and the bacteria can overwhelm their immune system. Moms can be carriers of the bacteria without any symptoms.
• How do we check for it?  This is a very simple procedure (no speculum even!) involving a Q-tip-type swab of the vaginal, urethral, and rectal areas. You will have the results the following week at your next routine appointment.
• What if it is negative?  A negative GBS test is reported to the hospital Labor & Delivery unit. You will be checked for GBS again with any future pregnancies.
• What if it is positive?  A positive GBS test is reported to the hospital Labor & Delivery unit. If your test is positive, we would like for you to remind your Labor & Delivery nurse when you go to the hospital for the delivery of your baby. You will receive IV antibiotics prior to delivery which will decrease the bacteria count and increase your baby’s safety.

Now that your delivery date is approaching, how will you know if it's time to go to the hospital?

• If your water breaks you should go to the hospital right away, even if you're not having contractions.
• If you are having regular contractions (contracting every 5 minutes or less, lasting for 1 minute, continuing for 1 hour).

Your Delivery and Hospital Stay

After the birth of your baby there are several things to expect. The information below is to help you prepare for your hospital stay.

The length of your hospital stay will depend on several things. Here are some basic guidelines:

• With a vaginal delivery, GBS Negative, you should expect to stay 24 hours minimum after birth.
• With a vaginal delivery, GBS Positive, you should expect to stay at least 48 hours after the birth. Some lab tests may be ordered for your baby to ensure there are no complications from GBS exposure.
• With a c-section delivery you should expect to stay 2 or 3 nights in the hospital.
• If you or your newborn develop complications this could mean you or your baby may need transfer to RVMC (Medford) or another hospital.
• Certain medical conditions in either the mother or the baby may require a longer stay.
• Three Rivers Community Hospital has in-house lactation specialists to help you with breastfeeding. Please ask to see a lactation specialist before you leave the hospital.

There are several state-mandated tests and other routine treatments done for your newborn before leaving the hospital. If you have any questions or concerns about these tests, please talk to your baby's doctor. If you wish to decline any of these treatments you may be required to sign a waiver:

• An antibiotic ointment (erythromycin) is applied to your baby's eyes to prevent infection.
• A shot of Vitamin K is given to prevent bleeding problems.
• A hearing screen will be done on your newborn.
• "PKU"/newborn testing will be done just prior to discharge. You will be given a second test card to take to your baby's doctor's office for repeat testing in about 2 weeks.
• A bilirubin level (or jaundice test) may be done if ordered by the care provider. This test is more likely if the mother has an Rh-Negative blood type.
• The first Hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given at around 24 hours of age as per CDC guidelines. This is done to prevent possible transmission of Hepatitis B to the baby from a variey of potential exposure sources, including transmission from the mother or other close contacts.
• Your child's birth certificate will be started at the hospital.

Other helpful information:

• Hospital visiting hours are limited to 8am-8pm (except during the actual labor & delivery).
• If you're having a boy and are considering circumcision, that will be done at your baby's doctor's office a couple weeks after birth.
• You and your baby cannot be discharged from the hospital without a car seat.
• Remember- your car and your home need to be smoke free for your baby's health.