Why do they monitor my vital signs in the labor room?

To avoid problems.: To monitor your condition and the fetus' condition until delivery; labor is a very dangerous period in mother's and fetus' life and complications can arise with little to no warning. Preeclampsia, hypertension, hypotension, tachypnea, oliguria and low oxygen saturations are all potentially serious signs of complications that would warrant prompt and decisive action by your obstetrician or midwife.