Creating the Right Birthing Experience
Choosing the right environment to welcome your new baby is one of the most important decisions for expecting parents, and we want your experience to be as safe, comfortable, and joyous as possible.
Our innovative labor options, advanced technology, and world-renowned obstetricians and midwives make University of Utah Health's University Hospital the ideal place for you and your baby.
We’re here to help expecting parents create a birth experience that’s right for them. Our labor and delivery providers are trained to care for the healthiest moms and babies, as well as those who require the most advanced multidisciplinary care. We also specialize in high-risk pregnancy.
Our professional nursing team is also committed to quality family-centered care from preparing for birth to check-ups with your newborn infant.
As the only health institution in Utah to be designated Baby Friendly, we offer the best possible environment for you and your newborn.
Find a Labor & Delivery Doctor
How To Choose Where To Give Birth
There is a lot to consider when preparing for the arrival of your baby. Finding the right hospital or birthing space can play a significant role in the life-changing experience you are about to have. You want to be both familiar and comfortable with your choice.
Each birth is unique and there is no one size fits all option for everyone. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of questions you may want to think about while choosing the right place to have your baby.
Questions To Consider
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Can I tour the space beforehand?
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Will I be able to labor and give birth in the same room?
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What is the recovery room like?
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Is there an on-site birth center besides the traditional labor and delivery rooms?
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What monitoring services are available, such as continuous electronic fetal monitoring and routine intravenous hydration?
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Will there be an anesthesiologist or anesthetist available if I need them?
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How many women in labor does each nurse care for?
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How many people will be allowed with me in the labor and birth room?
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Will my partner be able to stay in the same room with me during recovery?
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Are there any accommodations for partners?
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Is the hospital Baby Friendly?
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Can I get advice about breastfeeding?
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What is the policy regarding visitors after the birth?
Giving Birth at University of Utah Hospital
We are honored you’re considering giving birth at our hospital. Our labor & delivery team is here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you’re a first time mom or a seasoned parent, the birthing process is a lot to plan for. Let us take some of the stress off by telling you what to expect when you give birth at University of Utah Hospital.
Arriving At The Hospital
When you arrive at the hospital, make use of our valet parking services. They will make sure your car is parked and taken care of while you head inside.
Where To Go
For medical concerns in pregnancy over 16 weeks gestation and labor evaluations, go to OB Emergency Services D21. For scheduled appointments and inductions, go to labor and delivery C21.
Checking In
Once your health care team has made sure you are in labor, you will be sent to a private room in our state-of-the art labor and delivery unit.
Labor & Delivery
We offer private rooms for your labor and delivery. Several of our rooms have tubs to relax in while you labor. Two of our rooms have tubs that can be used for delivery.
To ensure your birth is as comfortable as possible, we provide several ammenties to help you during the birthing process:
- Birthing balls
- Squat bars
- Stools
We also use wireless fetal monitoring. This allows you to move freely and comfortably around your room and the labor and delivery unit. If you would like extra support outside of your physician, midwife, or nurse, you can request the help of a volunteer doula.
Operating Room & NICU
Some times preparing for birth means preparing for the unexpected. If you or your baby requires advanced medical care, we are here for you. We are a level 3 NICU and care for both premature and ill newborns. We have three advanced operating rooms located near our private birthing rooms.
After Delivery
After the arrival of your newborn, you will be moved to a private room in our maternal and newborn care area. This area is located on the same floor as our labor and delivery rooms.
Your baby will stay in your room with you. This will give you time to bond before going home. As the only baby friendly designated hospital in Utah we are committed to giving you the confidence you need to care for your baby.
Our physicians, nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, and staff will provide you with the information and skills you need to start and continue breastfeeding your baby. We support and encourage all parents in their feeding preferences.
Going Home
When it is time for you to take your baby home, a dedicated team member will escort you to our designated newborn loading zone. The team member will work closely with you to ensure your carseat is properly installed before you head home.
Labor & Delivery Virtual Tour
Resources & Programs for Parents-to-Be
Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic
The first trimester can be an exciting, confusing, and overwhelming experience. Our Early Pregnancy Care team providers offer comprehensive, non-judgmental early pregnancy care.
Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program
The Utah Pregnancy After Loss Program is designed specifically to support families after a pregnancy loss, newborn death, or severely complicated pregnancy.
UPWARD: Utah Peripartum Pelvic Floor Wellness and Recovery After Delivery Program
Many pregnant mothers have pelvic floor symptoms before and up to 12 months following birth. UPWARD offers expert care to women experiencing pelvic floor issues during a vulnerable time.
YoMingo®: Prenatal Education on the Go
U of U Health offers anytime, anywhere education for expectant mothers through YoMingo®, with all the tools and support you need at every stage of your pregnancy. Find information on prenatal care, labor & birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
Perinatal Education
Childbearing is an exciting time of growth, change, and personal choices for you and your family. To help you prepare, we offer perinatal education on a variety of subjects related to your pregnancy.
Choosing a Hospital or Birthing Space
It's never too early to begin thinking about the birthing process (if those words can even begin to express the life-changing experience you are about to have). Here are some things to consider.
