Childbirth Unit

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Your Birth Experience, Your Way

Every birth story is unique, and we’re here to help you create the one that feels right for you. Developing a birth plan can help communicate your preferences to your care team and ensure your experience is as comfortable and personal as possible. While flexibility is important, planning ahead gives you confidence for the big day.

What are the labor and delivery options at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas?

We offer a full range of delivery options across our locations to meet your needs and preferences, including:

  • Vaginal delivery (natural, medicated or assisted)
  • Cesarean section (C-section)
  • Induced labor

What are the pain management options available during labor at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas?

We’re committed to supporting your comfort during labor with both medicated and non-medicated options across our locations, including:

  • Epidural anesthesia
  • Nitrous oxide
  • IV medications
  • Non-medicated tools and techniques (breathing exercises, hydrotherapy or birthing ball)

Nitrous Oxide

Women's Services at Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas in Riverview, Sumner and Winchester offer nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is gas that can be inhaled in a mixture with oxygen to help relieve labor pain. To learn more, check out the FAQs below.

How is Nitrous Oxide administered?

It is a portable device that can be brought into your labor and delivery room by your nurse. You will have a mask that is connected to oxygen and nitrous oxide. When you inhale through the mask, the machine will give you a dose of the gas and when you exhale into the mask the gas is removed from the air with a suction mechanism.

Can I have it whenever I want? Or can I only use it for a limited time period?

Yes, you can receive nitrous oxide at any point during your labor and there is no limit to how long you use the nitrous oxide.

How do I know when to use it?

It is recommended that you begin breathing in the mask or straw as soon as you feel the contraction begin. You should continue breathing in the mask until the worse pain of the contraction begins to subside.

What are the side effects for me?

Nitrous oxide can make you dizzy or nauseated.

Is it dangerous for me?

The use of inhaled nitrous oxide is a common option for labor pain management in several countries.

Is it dangerous for my baby?

Many studies have reported no harm to the baby.

How do I know if I cannot have it?

Nitrous oxide may not be safe if you have a vitamin B12 deficiency or if your oxygen level is low for another reason. It is also not recommended if you are unable to hold the mask on your face by yourself, or if your baby’s heart tracing is worrisome.

Does it really help with pain?

Nitrous oxide does not completely relieve the pain of labor but decreases your awareness of the pain. In other words, you can still feel some pain, but it does not bother you as much and becomes more bearable.

Can I still have an epidural after if it does not work?

You can change your mind and choose to have an epidural, as long as there is not another reason an epidural may not be right for you at that time. If you decide to take IV narcotics, you must wait 2 hours after IV administration to begin nitrous oxide.

What are other birth plan considerations?

Many parents include additional details in their birth plan, such as:

  • Delayed cord clamping
  • Immediate skin-to-skin contact
  • Feeding preferences (breastfeeding, formula or combination)
  • Nursery care vs. rooming-in with your baby

When should I come to the hospital?

If you experience any of the following, contact your provider for guidance on when to go to the hospital:

  • Regular contractions that increase in intensity
  • Water breaking
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Decreased fetal movement
  • Severe pain, fever or any concerning symptoms

If you cannot reach your provider and you have any concerns, please come to the Labor and Delivery Unit or call 911.

Plan for a Smooth Arrival

Pre-Registration

Save time by completing your hospital pre-registration online or during a prenatal visit.

Our Labor and Delivery Units

We’ve designed our spaces with your safety, comfort and family bonding in mind. That’s why we designed our labor and delivery units to meet the needs of your growing family:

  • Reception and family waiting areas: Comfortable spaces for your loved ones
  • Labor suites: Private rooms with modern technology, soothing amenities and space for your support person
  • Operating rooms: Equipped and ready surgical rooms for scheduled and emergency C-sections
  • Patient safety and visitation guidelines: Security that prioritizes your well-being

Check our current visitation policies before arrival.

Find the Visitation Policy for the Facility you will be delivering at

Our Locations and Contact Information

Highpoint Health – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas
158 Hospital Drive
Carthage, TN 37030
615.735.5191

Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas
555 Hartsville Pike
Gallatin, TN 37066

Highpoint Health – Winchester with Ascension Saint Thomas
185 Hospital Road
Winchester, TN 37398
931.967.8258

Take the Next Step

Start planning your birth experience today. Use our Find a Provider tool or call 800.424.DOCS (3627) to connect with a trusted provider.