1. Upon entering the hospital, one should try to avoid causing automatic doors to open by entering through them; rather, a side door that opens manually should be used if possible. Alternatively, one may follow a non-Jew or medical personnel entering the hospital, since they are permitted to cause the doors to open. If none of these options are practical, or waiting will delay entering the hospital in a timely manner, one may enter the hospital normally (Halachos of Pregnancy, p.49).

2. During the birthing process, any melachah necessary to put the woman giving birth at ease or make her calmer is permitted on Shabbat, even if it is not medically necessary (Shulchan Aruch 330:1). This includes taking any item necessary from home, even if it is muktzeh (Shemirat Shabbat K'hilchatah 40:82).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for everlasting peace in Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.