Can I ask not to be given the drug to speed up delivery of the placenta so that we have more time to hug, or is that dangerous??? (maybe this needs a new thread)
Chances are that you will notice the needle as much as the apgar testing. They get it in when they put bub on your chest so that you don't notice it.

You will get some time to cuddle skin to skin, but I am not sure they will let it go for hours, simply because the rooms are cold and they need to keep baby warm. I am sure though that if you speak with your MW prior to delivery she can help organise something for you that will hopefully not interfere too much with what they have to do for your bubs wellbeing.

With DS2 I only got to hold him for 5 minutes before his second apgar revealed he was experiencing difficulties breathing. I didn't get to hold him again for 5 days. It wasnt until then that I got to nurse him. If they need to step in, then rest assured they are only doing what is best for your baby.