Being pregnant can be a joyful time in your life. It can also be a stressful experience, filled with questions and concerns about your and your baby’s well-being. Baptist Health prenatal (pregnancy) providers understand. Whether you need routine care or specialized support during a high-risk pregnancy, we’re here to help. Our doctors, nurses and midwives can care for you from the day your pregnancy test is positive until the moment you take your baby home from the hospital.

Why Choose Baptist Health During Your Pregnancy?

Preparing for your baby’s birth is often an exciting process. However, this time can also be filled with concerns and questions. We understand. Our family-oriented providers will take the time to answer all your questions and help you feel comfortable throughout the process.

When you choose Baptist Health for your prenatal care, you can expect: 

• Comprehensive prenatal care and support: You’ll have regular appointments with one of our OB/GYN specialists to monitor your health and the health of your baby during these important nine months. 
• Detailed health screenings and diagnostic tests: We’ll check you and your baby throughout your pregnancy for common health conditions and genetic irregularities. 
• Support from maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists: MFM specialists work with women who are experiencing high-risk pregnancies or who develop problems during pregnancy such as premature (early) labor or high blood pressure (one indicator of preeclampsia/eclampsia).
• Expertise: Our staff is dedicated to the care of new moms and their babies. Our team of obstetricians and laborists, obstetrics-certified nurses and certified lactation consultants are trained in handling high-risk pregnancies and difficult deliveries. 

What to Expect During Prenatal Care Visits

Once you choose a Baptist Health doctor or midwife to see during your pregnancy, we’ll set up ongoing visits. At these appointments, we’ll check on your health and your developing baby with routine exams and tests. We’ll also talk about the physical changes you are experiencing and answer all of your questions and concerns.

These appointments are a good time to ask your provider questions such as:

• What foods should I make sure to eat while I’m pregnant?
• Which prenatal vitamin is right for me?
• Is it safe for me to travel right now?
• What over-the-counter and prescription drugs are safe to use while I’m pregnant? Learn more about the risks involved with medicine use during pregnancy.
• What do I need to know about sex, exercise, and sleeping during pregnancy?
• What are the benefits of avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, and illegal drugs while I’m pregnant? Learn more about our smoking cessation classes and the risks involved with alcohol use during pregnancy.

It’s Time to Choose Your Baby’s Doctor

We encourage you to select a medical provider for your baby sometime during your third trimester. Your Baptist Health team will need that doctor’s contact information shortly after your baby is delivered. This helps us with the paperwork and approvals we need to complete your newborn’s required tests and immunizations.

More Baptist Health Services During Your Pregnancy

Your provider and your local Baptist Health website can also give you information about:

Pregnancy topics

• Dental and oral health during your pregnancy
• Health services to expect during each trimester
• Common lab tests during each trimester
• When to call your prenatal care provider about emergency care during your pregnancy

Labor and delivery issues

• Preregister at your selected Baptist Health hospital
• Sign up for a Labor & Delivery tour
• Choosing your baby’s doctor
• Take childbirth and family education classes
• Learn what to pack for your hospital stay
• Visit a lactation (breastfeeding) consultant during pregnancy