Labor & Delivery

As a designated High-Performing Maternity Care Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, our Women's & Children's Hospital in San Antonio is where compassionate care meets advanced medical expertise.

Whether you're planning a low-risk delivery or need specialized care for a high-risk pregnancy, our experienced mother-baby team is here to support you before, during and after birth.

What to Expect

As the region's premier academic medical center, University Health offers advanced obstetric, neonatal and emergency services all under one roof, giving you peace of mind at every stage of your delivery.

Advanced Care for High-Risk Pregnancies

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, count on us for the most advanced maternal and newborn care available in South Texas.

Women’s Heart Center

Not only does our expert maternal-fetal medicine team specialize in managing complex pregnancies, such as gestational diabetes, but they also collaborate with our specialized cardio-obstetrics team at the University Health Women's Heart Center to treat pregnant patients with heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.

Patient-and Family-Centered Care

Childbirth is a shared experience. At University Health, we focus on care that respects your preferences while keeping you and your baby safe.

• Private labor and delivery rooms
• Comfortable accommodations for your partner or support person
• Encouragement of partner participation during labor and birth
• Respect for cultural, spiritual and personal birth preferences whenever possible

Your Birth Plan

We encourage you to work closely with your doctor or midwife throughout pregnancy to create a birth plan that reflects your wishes.

Our team will make every effort to honor your preferences — from pain management to bonding practices — while always prioritizing your and your baby's health and safety.

Your Support Starts Early

As a University Health patient at any of our women’s health clinics, you’ll be paired with a dedicated patient navigator. Your navigator is your go-to resource throughout pregnancy and can answer questions, help you plan for your hospital stay and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.

Planning for Your Stay

To make your experience as smooth as possible, download the UH Go mobile app to help navigate parking and find your way to the Labor and Delivery Unit at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

Stages of Labor

Stages of labor differ from woman to woman. Though serious complications are rare, problems can still occur. Prepare for the unexpected by discussing your preferences with your doctor ahead of time.

Rest assured, if your care needs change during labor and delivery, we’ll respond quickly. Rely on us to have an entire specialized care team available 24/7 to take care of you.

Managing Labor Pain

Find options to help you manage your labor pain. Dedicated anesthesiologists are in the hospital around the clock to assist you with pain relief. We’re equipped to offer you:

• Natural labor management
  • Breathing techniques
  • Hypnobirthing
  • Massage therapy
  • Positioning
  • Relaxation methods
• Regional analgesia
  • Epidural
  • Spinal block

Doulas

A doula is a trained professional who offers guidance and emotional support during labor. Your doula is welcome here at the Women's & Children's Hospital to support you during labor.

Bonding with Your Baby

Connect with your newborn right after birth. You’ll receive support if you and your partner want to participate in:

• Delayed cord clamping – Increases hemoglobin levels and iron in your baby’s blood
• Skin-to-skin contact – Calms and warms your baby through cuddling
• “Golden Hour” – Uninterrupted bonding for the first hour of your baby’s life
• Breastfeeding support– Helps with positioning and latching on
• Delayed bathing – Gives your baby their first bath eight hours after birth

Postpartum Care

The hours after giving birth are important, as they are a time to rest, bond with your newborn and get breastfeeding and other support. Rely on our postpartum mom and baby caregivers for guidance, comfort and support after the delivery of your baby.