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From my experience, they are very condsiderate about your modesty until it doesn't matter anymore. The early dilation checks (they did use a sheet)and changing inte the gown and everything is done very respectfully. They will continue to make things as modest as possible . In my case, with baby #1, when she was getting ready to come out, I ended up shedding the gown, it was very primal... With #2, I got out of the jacuzzi tub and flopped onto the bed. I was wearing a tank top, so my top was covered, but while I was rolling around with contractions, my bottom was hanging out and I could not have possibly cared less. My darling doula was keeping up with me, covering me up, so it wouldn't be as revealing. Had she not been there, I would not have done it myself. Try not to worry about it. The staff will follow your cues. If you get to a point where it is clear that you don't care, they will still be professional about the whole thing. In any case, if you're considering getting a doula, this would be one more great reason to do so. She would be aware of your wishes and could help as needed.

They will keep a sheet over your lap but remember most hospital rooms have mirrors, so I would suggest telling your hubby to stay up by your head and not look into the mirrors, although it really isnt that bad when its your baby, it is very beautiful and it made my fiance look at me in a completly different, more respectful way after I delivered our son.

Thanks guys, maybe as others have said it will all go "out the window" at the time. But it's nice to know that is it stays on my mind, they will work with me. The one thing everyone seems to agree on is that if you don't relax, the pain is much worse. So I want to be able to do anything in my power to relax myself. At this point I feel keeping covered would really help with that. We will see as time goes on :D

I had the same concerns. My hubby left the room for all the checks. When it came time to do the pushing, I did have a sheet up... HOWEVER, that same sheet ended up wadded around my belly, my hubby ( who would have preferred to wait in the waiting room, he's so squemish) was holding a leg, and he DID ( accidently... like watching a car crash or something) see the birth of our daughter.... and is very thankful for that. At the time, I really couldn't have cared less. My entire graduating cla__s could have been in the room, and as long as I got that baby OUT, I was fine. That is a big deal for me, as I am a VERY modest lady. I was induced and on pit for 4 days.. and wore panties and sweats the whole time ( unless I was in the tub or being checked, of course) Just let your doc know that modesty is an issue for you, and they will do all they can to make it a modest experience. As for the mirrors, they asked if I wanted one and I said no, so I didn't have to worry about him seeing me in one.

I am a midwife and I understand that you dont want to give the whole world a closeup while giving birth. I just wanted to let you know how I can tell in which phase of labor one of my patience is in, just by looking where the sheets are (giving a natural birth) Phase 1: dilation 0-4 cm called the early or latent phase - all sheets are on, if they could up to their neck. Phase 2: dilation 4-7 cm called the active phase - sheets are on the patrient but just so that they are covering your private parts, otherwise the patient does not really care because of pain. Phase 3: dilation 8-10 cm called the Transition phase- the pain is intense, Increasing fatigue, shakiness, and nausea are all common in this phase, as your body does the hard work of reaching complete dilation and effacement. You really dont care if the sheets are on or off anymore, who sees what all you want is the pain to stop and the baby to come out. Once I see this and the sheets are all over, I can figure the baby is or will be crowing any minute. Phase 4 : full dilation 10 cm called pushing and birth - all sheets are off - intese pressure and urge to push, burning sensation. Women in phase 4 mostly do not care about modesty at all. Phase 5: Delivery of the placenta - the baby is a few minutes old - the woman is overjoyed and is busy with the baby, while we monitor for bleeding, intact placenta etc. I had 2 childen myself, both naturally, I did not care who could me, or what was going on. Modesty is only a question if an epidural is given and a woman is no longer driven by pain and instinct. I hope I could help! (by the way I described the phases of labor not the stages of which there are only 3)

ooop I goofed! I meant to write Patients instead ! Thats what I get for using autocorrect on everything!