Inside Labor & Delivery Rooms: Medical Equipment Buying Guide

If you have worked a shift in labor and delivery you know the environment needs to be calm, controlled, and fully equipped for every possible scenario. Whether it is a straightforward delivery or a high-risk birth, the right medical equipment can make all the difference - for mom, baby, and you.

So, let’s talk about the essential medical equipment that should be in every labor and delivery room, and why it matters.

Before beginning, it is important to remember that labor and delivery rooms vary from facility to facility. This buying guide examines medical equipment commonly found in labor and delivery rooms but is not an exhaustive list.

Labor & Delivery Bed

This one is non-negotiable. A high-quality, delivery bed supports mom through labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery.

Look for beds with these features to capitalize on the benefits of a bed designed for labor and delivery:

• Electric Adjustment controls regulate height, tilt, and position, making it easier for healthcare staff to help the mom find a comfortable position.
• Mattress Options such as foam, innerspring, air, and hybrid may be available to maximize comfort and support.
• Attachment Points for medical equipment like IV poles, fetal monitors, and anesthesia devices.
• HAI Mitigation design and materials for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Quality materials and engineering able to withstand the demands of medical use without compromising long-term reliability or stability.
• Safety and accessibility features like side rails, footrests, and ergonomic controls ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare providers.
  
  

Vital Signs Monitors

In labor and delivery rooms, the vital signs monitor records vitals like maternal heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, as well as fetal heart rate and contractions.

When choosing quality vital signs monitors for the labor and delivery room, several key features are essential:

• Ease of Use features such as intuitive interfaces and user-friendly designs help healthcare providers quickly interpret data.
• Versatility for comprehensive monitoring of both maternal and fetal patients.
• Integration with electronic medical records (EMRs) and other hospital systems.
• Alarm features such as alerts for abnormal readings.
• Battery power for uninterrupted monitoring, especially during emergencies or power outages.
• Durable Materials and Construction that withstand frequent use and the potential environmental stress of a hospital setting.

Fetal Monitor (CTG - Cardiotocography)

Fetal monitors track the baby’s heart rate and the mother’s contractions to help identify distress or decelerations quickly. Most systems include external sensors, though you will want internal options available (like fetal scalp electrodes and IUPCs) for high-risk or prolonged labor.

Seek out these features for safety and higher levels of care:

• Dual Monitoring Capability for simultaneous monitoring of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions.
• External and Internal Sensors:

• External: Doppler ultrasound and tocodynamometer (TOCO) sensors.
• Internal: Fetal scalp electrodes and intrauterine pressure catheters when more accurate readings are needed.

• Alarms and Alerts to notify staff of abnormal heart rates or contraction patterns.
• Touchscreen Interface for ease of use and real-time visualization.
• Battery Backup options to ensure continuous operation during power outages or during patient transfer.
• Mobility features offer flexibility of use in different hospital rooms or during emergency transport.
• Connectivity features integrate the fetal monitor with hospital systems to facilitate data sharing, remote monitoring, and electronic medical record (EMR) updates.

Infant Radiant Warmer

Once the baby arrives, maintaining their body temperature is critical. A radiant warmer provides immediate warmth and often includes resuscitation equipment - O2, suction, and even integrated pulse oximetry. With the proper features it is your go-to station for neonatal stabilization right in the room. Look for:

• Overhead Radiant Heat from infrared heating elements to deliver focused warmth without direct contact.
• Servo-Controlled Temperature Systems automatically adjust heat output based on the baby's skin temperature, preventing overheating or underheating.
• Open Access Design gives healthcare providers full access to the infant for medical procedures, resuscitation, or bonding.
• Integrated Resuscitation Equipment such as built-in oxygen, suction, and bag-mask ventilation systems.
• Alarm Systems with audio and visual alerts for temperature deviations or equipment malfunctions.
• Adjustable Height and Tilting Bed gives caregivers the access needed to attend to an infant.
• Built-In Timers and Lights help manage procedures like Apgar scoring and improve visibility.
• Mobility features such as wheels facilitate easy movement between rooms or departments.
• Data Display shows real-time temperature, alarm status, and system settings.

Emergency Resuscitation Cart (Code Cart)

This is not something you ever want to need—but when you do, it must be ready. Your L&D code cart should be stocked with neonatal and maternal resuscitation supplies, emergency medications, intubation tools, and defibrillation equipment.

Its contents are organized for quick access and vary slightly by facility, but typically include the following:

Airway Management Supplies

• Oxygen masks and nasal cannulas
• Bag-valve masks (adult and neonatal sizes)
• Oral and nasal airways
• Endotracheal tubes (assorted sizes)
• Laryngoscope handles and blades (adult and neonatal)
• Suction catheters and Yankauer suction tips
• CO₂ detectors or capnography equipment
• Stylets and Magill forceps

Breathing & Ventilation Equipment

• Oxygen tank with regulator
• Ambu bags (manual resuscitators)
• Nebulizers or atomizers
• CPAP or BiPAP supplies (if used in emergencies)

Circulation & IV Supplies

• IV start kits (needles, catheters, tourniquets, antiseptics)
• IV fluids (e.g., Normal Saline, Lactated Ringer's)
• Pressure bags
• Blood draw tubes and labels
• Intraosseous access kits (especially for neonates)

Emergency Medications

(Note: medications should always be checked for expiration and availability)

For the mother:

• Epinephrine
• Atropine
• Magnesium sulfate
• Oxytocin (Pitocin)
• Methylergonovine (Methergine)
• Carboprost (Hemabate)
• Misoprostol
• Labetalol or hydralazine (for hypertensive crisis)
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Naloxone

For the newborn:

• Epinephrine (neonatal dose)
• Dextrose (D10)
• Vitamin K
• Erythromycin ointment
• Naloxone (if needed for exposure to opioids)

Defibrillator and Cardiac Supplies

• AED or manual defibrillator with pediatric and adult pads
• ECG leads and electrodes
• Cardiac monitor
• Pacing cables (if available)

OB-Specific Emergency Supplies

• Uterine tamponade balloons (e.g., Bakri balloon)
• Hemorrhage control kits
• PPH (postpartum hemorrhage) kits
• Delivery instruments (scissors, clamps, forceps)
• Sterile gloves and gowns
• Suturing kits
• Cord

IV Pump

Fluid management is central to labor and delivery, whether for hydration or administration of medication. Smart IV pumps offer precise medication delivery and can run multiple drips simultaneously.

Seek out IV Pumps with these essential features:

• Multiple Channels for infusion of more than one medication or fluid simultaneously.
• Dose Error Reduction System (DERS) smart pump technology that helps prevent medication errors.
• Accurate Flow Control for the precisely controlled infusion rates required to continuously measure and adjust medications like oxytocin or magnesium sulfate.
• Alarms and Alerts for occlusions, empty bags, air in line, or flow errors.
• Battery Backup to assure uninterrupted operation during patient transport or power outages.
• Touchscreen Interface or Keypad for quick pump setup and adjustment.
• Wireless Connectivity for integration with Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
• Bolus Function for controlled administration of a fluid or medication bolus when needed.

Suction Unit

Clear airways save lives. Wall-mounted or portable suction units are needed to clear amniotic fluid or mucus from the newborn's mouth and nose or to manage maternal emergencies (like aspiration during unconsciousness).

These key features are essential for quality suction units:

• Adjustable Suction Pressure for precise control of suction for different patients (e.g., gentle suction for newborns, stronger suction for adults). Look specifically for suction units that meet safety guidelines for neonatal suction (≤ 100 mmHg).
• Portable or Wall-Mounted Options
  • Portable suction units are battery-powered for mobility during emergencies or transport.
  • Wall-mounted units offer continuous power and high suction reliability.
• Multiple Suction Settings for adjusting suction to the need (e.g., clearing amniotic fluid vs managing blood loss).
• Disposable Canisters & Tubing minimize the risk of infection and facilitate efficient and thorough cleanup and restocking.
• Quiet Operation helps minimize stress in labor and delivery room.
• Backup Power (Battery Operated) ensures suction is available through power outages or during transportation within a facility.
• Overflow Protection prevents fluid backflow into the unit, reducing the risk of contamination or damage to the device.
• Easy-to-Use Controls such as simple knobs or touchpad settings for intuitive operation by medical staff.

Lighting (Ceiling or Mobile)

Even without a full OR setup, high-intensity, shadow-free lighting is key - especially for scenarios involving vacuum-assisted births, perineal tears, or emergency procedures.

The following are essential features to look for in lights used in labor & delivery rooms:

• High-Intensity Illumination with adjustable intensity for precise lighting of the surgical or delivery field.
• Shadow Reduction through multi-source or multi-reflector systems even when the light path is partially blocked by hands or instruments.
• Adjustable Color Temperature allows clinicians to change the color tone of the light (typically between 3,000K and 6,700K) for optimal tissue differentiation.
• Cool Light Output with LED technology minimizes heat emission, preventing staff discomfort or drying of patient tissue.
• Flexible Positioning of ceiling-mounted lights or mobile arms.
• Sterile Handle or Remote Control allows staff to reposition a light without breaking the sterile field.
• Long Lifespan LEDs are low maintenance and typically good for 20,000+ hours, which helps reduce operating costs and potential downtime.
• Battery Backup helps ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages or transfer to emergency power.

Choose Mobile lights for flexible use from room to room or ceiling-mounted lights for fixed, unobtrusive illumination in dedicated delivery rooms.

Point of Care Ultrasound Machine

Bedside ultrasound helps confirm fetal position, amniotic fluid levels, and can even assess placental location. It is a handy tool for triage or when the labor and delivery process is short on time and long on questions.

These features are commonly associated with quality point of care ultrasound machines used for labor and delivery:

• High-Resolution Imaging offers clear visualization of fetal anatomy, position, movement, and heartbeat necessary for assessing fetal well-being and placental position.
• Compact and Lightweight Design facilitates almost effortless movement between rooms and bedside points of care.
• Multiple Imaging Modes
  • 2D for basic fetal and maternal structure assessment.
  • M-Mode is used for fetal heart rate monitoring.
  • Doppler to assess blood flow in the umbilical cord or fetal heart.
  • Optional 3D/4D for advanced imaging required for a detailed assessment.
• Touchscreen or Keypad Interface for intuitive, user-friendly image capture and adjustment.
• Battery Operation using rechargeable batteries allows for use in rooms without power access.
• Multiple Probe Options
  • Curved (abdominal) probes for general fetal imaging.
  • Linear probes for vascular access.
• Connectivity features for internal storage, USB ports, cloud upload, or wireless EMR integration.
• Durable, Easy-to-Clean Housing designed to withstand frequent use and disinfecting associated with hospital settings.

Some healthcare facilities offer private labor and delivery rooms to their maternity patients. In addition to the medical equipment discussed, private rooms are commonly equipped with:

• Built in or Modular Casework
• Seating for partners or guests
• Computer Workstations on Wheels

Why the medical equipment in the labor and delivery room matters?

In labor and delivery, timing is everything. A room equipped with the proper equipment - and laid out to support logical workflow - helps staff stay focused and responsive. Having the necessary medical equipment within arm’s reach reduces stress and risk.

Whether you are planning a new unit or renovating an existing one, do not underestimate how much the right medical equipment can impact both efficiency and safety. After all, the delivery room is one of the most high-stakes spaces in any hospital—and one of the most rewarding to work in.

Partner with CME Corp. to Design and Equip Labor and Delivery Rooms

As the United States’ largest specialty distributor solely focused on equipment used in healthcare, we have built long term relationships with industry leading manufacturers of medical equipment commonly found in labor and delivery rooms.

Our expert account managers will work with you, our in-house CAD designers, and the manufacturers’ representatives to equip and lay out rooms tailored to labor and delivery, within the budget of your facility.

Complementing CME’s expert focus on equipment used in healthcare and design services are project management and direct-to-site delivery services. 

Dedicated project management teams will ensure your labor and delivery medical equipment is delivered according to your specifications by our in-house Direct-to-Site services, when it is convenient for staff.

We are the only medical equipment distributor nationwide, able to say we are truly a one-stop shop.

Find your account manager and learn how CME can help you equip and design your labor and delivery room.

About CME: CME Corp is the nation’s premier source for healthcare equipment, turnkey logistics, and biomedical services, representing 2 million+ products from more than 2,000 manufacturers. With 24 locations strategically positioned across the country and increasing, we are readily accessible to our customers. Our mission is to help healthcare facilities nationwide reduce the cost of the equipment they purchase, make their equipment specification, delivery, installation, and maintenance processes more efficient, and help them seamlessly launch, renovate and expand on schedule.