When to Call Doc for Delivery

[rnWinn]

Where I work, if the doc's in the hospital and can arrive within 5 minutes, I call when the delivery is likely to happen within 5 minutes of the doc entering the room. The docs are not happy otherwise! What's it like where everybody else works? Do docs like to be called at the last minute?

[bagladyrn, RN]

Depends on the doc. Some I've known abhor waiting, so will wait as long as possible to call them, also will do that with the ones who just can't keep from interfering with a natural process - you know the type - no patience! Some want to be called in at an earlier point - especially at night. One I knew would invariably jump in the shower before coming in - kept telling him "No one cares what your hair looks like, doc!", so I started calling him in earlier, telling him either "I'm giving you time for your shower" or "Skip the shower if you don't want to miss this one!".

In general I will call most in when a primip is starting to crown a bit with pushes, or when a multip gets to about 8, I'll call and give them an update, saying "Do you want to come in now or be called when she's complete". That way if they miss that one - it was their choice!

[MamaMadge, ADN, BSN]

I am so lucky where I work. Our docs and midwives are great about coming in. I wouldn't wait to call when a multip is 8cm. They just seem to go so fast at that point. Most of our providers like to be called when a multip is about 7 or sooner if she feels "pushy!" The primip is another story! They are so unpredictable. I've seen them push for 2 hours and I've seen them push the baby out in three pushes. I will usually have them "test" push and see how they do. I have been told by the providers that they like to be called when you can see about a silver dollar size of the head and it stays after the contraction/push is over. Like I said, our providers would rather sit there for a few minutes than to miss a delivery.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

Ask them early on when THEY want to be called, then it's their decision and not on you. Of course call earlier if needed.