Non-Stress Test (NST)
An NST can be ordered by your care provider to evaluate the well-being of your baby before the onset of labour.
An NST is a simple, non-invasive test that does not pose any physical risk to you or to your baby. Your baby's heart rate will be monitored and recorded while the baby is resting and moving. The test takes approximately 20-40 minutes to complete.
RhoGAM Clinic
Rh immune globulin is a blood product that is given when you are at risk of forming antibodies. This can happen if you have Rh negative blood and are pregnant. These antibodies can cross the placenta and can cause complications for your baby. Rhogam clinics are held every Friday.
For You
- Health Card and other insurance/coverage information
- Home medications (pill bottles/pharmacy list)
- Underwear (2 or 3 pairs of cotton panties are best)
- Bra (nursing bra and nursing pads if you are breastfeeding)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, hairbrush, hair elastics, deodorant, soap, shampoo)
- Sanitary pads without dry weave mesh (no tampons)
- Nightgown, housecoat and slippers
- Chapstick or lip balm
- Loose fitting clothes for the trip home
- Pen and paper
- Pillow
- Reusable water container
- Snack food
If a support person is staying with you in hospital, please bring extra toiletries and another pillow and blanket.
For your baby
- T-shirts
- Sleepers
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Socks/booties
- Hat
- Sweater
- Receiving blanket
Make sure you have a car seat for the day you are taking your baby home. Please have your car seat installed and know how to use it.
If your care provider has booked you at the hospital for an induction of labour, this means that you may have to come into the hospital to have a cervical ripening agent inserted to soften (or ripen) your cervix to prepare you for the labour process.
Cervical Ripening
The physician will choose the ripening agent based on internal cervical examination. We will continue to observe and monitor you and your baby for an additional hour after the procedure. You will have fetal monitoring assessment when you arrive.
After your assessment you may be admitted or given a day pass and instructions on when to return. This is usually between 6 – 24 hours after cervical ripening.
Following cervical ripening, it is normal for you to feel a variety of symptoms, however, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should return the hospital immediately:
- Bleeding similar to a heavy period
- Your water breaks
- Frequent painful contractions
- No break between contractions
- Fever (temperature greater than 37.5ºC)
- You do not feel your baby moving as usual
Induction
A nurse will call you before your scheduled induction with instructions. If the Birthing Centre is busy, your induction may be postponed or re-scheduled to accommodate urgent patients.
The nurse will advise you when to come to the hospital.
Arrival/Registration
If you arrive between 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, please stop to register as an out-patient at Main Registration of the hospital (Center Tower, Level 2) the morning of your induction.
If you arrive after hours, please present directly to the Birthing Centre (Center Tower, Level 3) to register.
Your care provider may have scheduled you for a delivery by caesarean section. If you have not been told the date and time of your scheduled c-section, please call your care provider's office.
Preparing for your Caesarean Section
Fasting Guidelines
Solids
Meals can be ingested up to 8 hours pre-operatively.
- If your caesarean section is scheduled at 8:00a.m., do not eat after midnight
- If your caesarean section is scheduled at 1:00p.m., do not eat after 5:00a.m.
Liquids
Clear fluids can be ingested up to 2 hours pre-operatively. Drink moderate amounts (up to 12oz/350ml) of clear fluids 3 hours before your scheduled caesarean section. The amount you have to drink is less important than the type of drink; do not have any drinks that leave food bits in your digestive tract. Water, fruit juices without pulp, tea or coffee without milk/creamer/whitener, and broth are some options.
The Day of Surgery
- Follow your care provider’s instructions for taking prescribed medications the day of your caesarean section.
- Shower or bathe with antibacterial soap the morning of your procedure. Do not put on any lotion or powder after you shower.
- Do not wear makeup.
- Remove all nail polish from your fingers and toes (even clear) and acrylic nails. If you have acrylic nails, one nail must be removed.
- Do not wear perfumes or scented products.
Personal Belongings
- Bring your Health Care and your antenatal records (yellow forms from your care provider).
- Leave all valuables and jewelry at home. The hospital is not responsible for lost belongings.
- Do not bring large sums of cash with you. $20.00 is recommended.
- Visit our “What to pack for the hospital” page to know what to bring for you and your baby after delivery.
Arriving at the Hospital
Be sure to register at Main Registration (Centre Tower, Level 2) upon arrival. Once registered, you will be directed to the Birthing Unit.
The Birthing Centre is a locked unit with a “buzzer” system for entry. Guests will be asked to identify themselves and who they will be visiting prior to entering the unit.
All babies will wear a security bracelet (“HUGS” tag) around their ankle. These bracelets will trigger an alarm if a baby comes close to an exit (where you see yellow caution tape on the floor), or if the strap or tag is tampered with in any way. When this alarm sounds, all doors to the unit are automatically locked. Video surveillance is also used to keep your infant safe.
Newborn Safety Tips for Parents
- Never leave your baby unattended.
- Do not carry your baby in your arms when in the hallway. Leave your baby in their bassinette when traveling in the halls.
- To protect your baby from germs, ensure that all persons handling your baby have washed their hands properly.
- Call for your nurse immediately if somebody that you do not know is in your room who say they are taking your baby for any reason.
- Your baby must keep its identification bracelets on until returning home.
Breast pumps are available and kits can be purchased from the Birthing Centre.
Website resources:
All stages - from pre-pregnancy to new baby
- Best Start: resources for parents, future parents, and families.
- Health Canada - Pregnancy: Pregnancy, sexual health and preconception health (health before pregnancy), healthy eating, physical activity, mental and oral health before and during pregnancy.
- Health Canada - Postpartum, child, and infant health: Postpartum health, breastfeeding, parenting, caring for a baby, infant or child, nutrition, safe sleep, celebrating the rights of children.
- OMama: Pre, early, mid, and late pregnancy resources, along with delivery & birth, postpartum, and newborn resources.
- Dad Central: A site for dads, by dads.
Indigenous and culturally sensitive supports
Safety and Mental Health