Labor & Delivery
Summit Women’s Health offers full-service maternity care, including prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and postpartum care to expectant mothers of all ages in Princeton, West Virginia. Our providers know the emotional and physical toll labor and delivery can take on both new moms and experienced moms, so we are here through every step of the journey.
How do I know if I’m in labor?
Everyone’s labor experience is unique, and it can even be different for each of your pregnancies. For some, labor may be over in a few hours, while others experience a much longer labor stage.
You’ll know you’re in labor when you begin to feel persistent contractions, which feel different for every woman. Your contractions might feel like cramps in your lower stomach or around the sides of your stomach. They may feel like period pain at first, or you might notice the tightening of muscles around your stomach. You may experience lower back pain or pain in your inner thighs.
In early labor, your contractions will usually be short and infrequent, as far as 30 minutes apart. Your contractions become stronger, more regular, and more frequent over time. Contractions cause the cervix to dilate (or open) and efface (or soften, shorten, and thin). This is what allows your baby to move into the birth canal.
When should I go to the hospital?
You or your partner should time your contractions and the time between each contraction. When your contractions are regularly lasting about one minute each and occurring every five minutes (or less) for more than two hours, it’s time to head to the hospital.
If your water breaks, whether you're experiencing contractions or not, you’ll want to go ahead and come to the hospital. This will help reduce the risk of infection.
Which hospital will I give birth at?
Both Brandon Lingenfelter DO, PhD and Samantha Snyder DO are affiliated with Princeton Community Hospital, which is located at 122 Twelfth St, Princeton, WV 24740.
Summit Women’s Health specializes in every aspect of mother-baby care. This is an exciting but challenging time for expecting mothers, so we provide personalized maternity care for you and your baby. If you’re pregnant and looking for prenatal care, our providers would like to see you as soon as possible. To book an appointment at Summit Women’s Health in Princeton, West Virginia, with Brandon M. Lingenfelter, DO, PhD; Megan Lingenfelter, PA; Sam Snyder, DO; or Valeah Bradshaw, NP, call us at (681) 282-5591 or use our scheduling portal.