Frequently Asked Questions
Following are some of the most commonly asked questions by new parents planning to deliver at Chesapeake General:
Q: Before I go into labor, do I need to preregister at the hospital.
A: Yes. You can preregister by visiting Central Registration in the hospital lobby.
Q: Do I need to choose a pediatrician for my baby while I'm still pregnant?
A: Yes. It's important to choose a pediatrician well before your baby is born. If you haven't selected one, please call us at 757.547.7800 during normal business hours and we'll provide you with a complete list of pediatricians who practice at Chesapeake General Hospital, or visit Find A Doctor.
Q: What if I already have a pediatrician, but he or she doesn't practice at Chesapeake General Hospital?
A: We have pediatricians in-house who will examine your baby and send their findings to your pediatrician after you are discharged.
Q: What entrance of the hospital should we use when it's time to deliver our baby?
A: Between 6 a.m.-9 p.m. you may enter through any entrance of the hospital and go directly to Labor and Delivery on the third floor. However, if you need a wheelchair, enter the hospital at the Emergency Department located behind the hospital. After 9 p.m., please enter through the Emergency Department and check in at the registration desk, stating that you need to go to Labor and Delivery.
Q: What options will I have for pain management?
A: This should be discussed with your obstetrician during your prenatal visits. We offer classes at our Lifestyle Centers where choices for pain control are discussed with an anesthesiologist and a Labor and Delivery nurse.
Q: How many visitors are allowed in the delivery room with me?
A: For your safety and comfort, we ask you to limit the number of visitors in the delivery room to only two or three family members at a time.
Q: May I bring a camera or video equipment into the hospital?
A: Yes. However, your physician or the hospital staff may ask you to put these things away at certain times. And the hospital is not responsible for the loss or damage of camera equipment.
Q: Will my husband or significant other be able to stay with me overnight?
A: Yes. We encourage dads to stay if they want, any time of the day or night.
Q: Will my baby boy be circumcised while I'm still in the hospital?
A: This is a matter of personal choice and should be discussed with your obstetrician during your prenatal visits. If you choose to do so, your son can be circumcised at The BirthPlace. Our nurses will provide information about how to care for the circumcision before you go home.
Q: What If I'm discharged from the hospital before my baby is?
A: Although this doesn't happen often, at The BirthPlace we have a special overnight room next to the nursery for parents who desire to stay at the hospital while their babies are still in the nursery.
If you have additional questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call The BirthPlace at 757.312.6371.
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
736 Battlefield Blvd., North
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757.312.6132
1.800.456.8121, ext. 166