Pre-Procedure Instructions

What you do before your surgical procedure can have a tremendous impact on its eventual success. That’s why we ask that you follow these instructions leading up to your arrival at the hospital. If you have any questions, please consult your primary care provider.

Step-by-step guidelines to follow before a surgical procedure

2 weeks before:
Stop all vitamins and herbal medications.

1 – 2 weeks before:
A nurse will call to gather your medical history and answer questions.

1 week before:

If you are taking aspirin, products containing aspirin, or blood thinners, please contact your physician for instructions. Stop ibuprofen products such as Aleve, Motrin, and Advil. ACCEPTABLE: acetaminophen, such as Tylenol.

5–7 days before:
Call Pre-registration toll-free at 1-866-605-4640 to verify your personal and insurance information.

2 days before:
Call the department where your procedure is scheduled between 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to confirm your arrival time. Notify your physician of any health changes such as a cold or fever.

8 hours before (or by midnight before your procedure if that is your surgeon’s instruction):

No solid foods.

Up to 3 hours before your arrival:
Unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon, you may consume small amounts of clear liquids only. Clear liquids include apple and cranberry juice, black tea and black coffee, water, Popsicles, or Jell-O. Forbidden items include milk products, non-dairy creamers, and juices containing pulp. For food and drink instructions for children, consult your physician.

The morning of your procedure:
If you take prescription medications for your heart, lungs, blood pressure, seizures, or stomach problems, take them with a sip of water.

If you use inhalers, bring them with you.

Stop all diabetes medication unless instructed otherwise by your physician. Bring any insulin or oral diabetic pills with you.

Stop all diuretics (fluid pills).

Stop all over-the-counter antacids such as Tums, Pepcid Complete, Gaviscon, and Mylanta.

What to wear, what to bring, how to travel

For outpatient surgery you MUST make arrangements for someone to drive you home if you’ll receive any type of anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Even if you take a cab or transport service, you must have someone with you.

Please shower or bathe the night before or the morning of your procedure.

Bring a copy of your Advance Directives if you have established them.

Keep makeup to a minimum.

Wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes.

Do not secure hair with pins.

Please leave all valuables at home. ALL JEWELRY, INCLUDING BODY PIERCINGS, MUST BE REMOVED.

Wedding rings must be removed if they are on the operative limb. (If not on an operative limb, wedding rings may be taped if they can’t be removed.)

Please arrive on time. If you are going to be delayed, please notify the Outpatient Surgery Center or Main Operating Room, depending on the location of your procedure. See below for phone numbers:

Outpatient Surgery Center: toll-free 1-888-589-0896

Main Operating Room via Short-Term Stay: toll-free 1-866-778-6615

Pre-Admission Testing: (603) 580-6770

Pre-Registration: toll-free 1-866-605-4640

Can you tell the gender of my baby by the baby's heart rate?
No. Some say that the baby's heart rate is an indication of the gender, but we have found that it is not an accurate indicator.

How long will I be in labor and when will my baby arrive?
Unfortunately, there is no way of answering this question. Every woman's labor is different, and there are many different variables that affect the length, effectiveness and time of your labor and delivery.

Will the epidural slow down my labor?
Sometimes, labor can go slower after an epidural. Because you are inactive, in bed, and not able to walk, it may slow down your labor. However, with some individuals an epidural may actually allow for relaxation. This relaxation may result in the baby moving more quickly through the birth canal. It is important to remember that while the epidural will take most of the pain away, you will still feel pressure from the baby moving through the birth canal.

When can I get my epidural?
An epidural is anesthesia that is placed in your back. It numbs your body from the waist down, and relieves most of the pain of labor. Different providers have different thoughts about when the epidural can be done. Some providers require a patient progress to four centimeters before they get the epidural. Others will allow for it sooner in labor. We suggest that you discuss this subject with your provider.

How do I know when it is time to push?
When you are fully dilated and the baby is in position, your body will tell you that it is time to push. The urge to push is natural and you may find your body doing it with no direction from you what-so-ever. At this point, as long as your are fully dilated, your nurse will help you through this final stage of labor.

How do I push effectively?
Use your abdominal muscles, positioning chin to chest, and take a deep breath and push, while pulling your legs up to your chest. This is the most effective way to help your baby advance through the birth canal.

Will the pain get worse as my labor progresses?
Yes. The pain of labor is something that can be controlled with relaxation techniques, medication, or by means of an epidural. You may also choose to practice Hypnobirthing, which is taught in a class prior to delivery. Any of these options are available in the Family Center to make your labor as comfortable as possible.

When will my milk come in?
The average length of time it takes for breast milk to come in is 3-5 days. This varies from one individual to another. If you have any questions, please feel free to call one of our Lactation Consultants at (603) 580-4324.