Special Delivery News
Your baby will grow up in a different decade, but
there’s no time like the present to be having a baby!
Mothers today know to expect the very best in
medical care. At The Family Care Birthing Center
at Memorial, care is given by supportive nurses in
comfortable surroundings.
Right From the Start.
Prenatal care helps to assure a healthy pregnancy.
Regular contacts with a physician you can trust and
talk to increases your self-confidence and your ability
to obtain the information you need to make sound
choices for you and your baby. Early prenatal care
allows health care providers to screen for potential
problems and offer treatment or support when
needed.
Special Delivery News
4500 MEMORIAL DRIVE
BELLEVILLE. ILLINOIS 62226
The options available for families at The Family Care
Birthing Center fit everyone’s needs!
• Spacious labor, delivery and recovery rooms
• Birth choices such as showers in every room and
a birthing ball for positioning assistance
• Supportive nurses
• Rooming in - 24 hours
• Breastfeeding support with trained lactation
nurses
For more information about The Family Care
Birthing Center at Memorial, visit
www.memhosp.com/services/familycarebirthingcenter.
A newsletter for parents and parents-to-be from
The Family Care Birthing Center at Memorial
Those First Three Months!
Congratulations!
You’re pregnant!
Women usually don’t realize they are pregnant until at
least two weeks into the first trimester, when they miss
their period. If this is your first pregnancy, you should
know that new physical and emotional experiences
occur that can be very pleasant, or these changes can
make you think twice about the joys of pregnancy.
The good news.
Pregnancy can and should be a happy time for expectant
parents. It’s a time of excitement and anticipation as
you inform family and friends of the baby-to-be. You
may want to start a pregnancy journal or calendar to
preserve some of these memories for you and your
baby.
During those first three months, incredible changes
take place in a woman’s body that help the baby to
grow and develop normally or anticipate needs they
will have later in pregnancy or delivery. Some moms
feel nauseated occasionally (or frequently!) in early
pregnancy. Hormones or blood sugar changes may be
part of the cause. Small frequent snacks, eating food
items containing ginger, and eating a few hours before
bedtime are helpful ideas. Many mothers feel sleepy and
tire easily during the first few weeks when the baby is
growing rapidly. It is best to listen to your body during
those times and rest more often. Getting exercise
throughout the day may help you sleep better at night.
Some mothers report tender breasts in early pregnancy
because they are already changing for the potential of
breastfeeding. Wearing a sports bra day and night can
provide firm support. If you have already decided to
breastfeed, wearing a nursing bra is another option.
Life Transitions.
Life transitions involve the human experience of moving
from one phase of life to another. There is a sense of
loss for the old ways, fear of the unknown, anxiety, and
frustration with the new ways. There is often expectant
joy and excitement. Attachment with your unborn baby
begins as you move through the emotional phases of
pregnancy.
Men’s reactions to becoming a father are numerous and
diverse. How men react to fatherhood may depend
on his childhood memories of his father, his culture, or
his concerns over increasing financial responsibilities.
Pregnancy can be an ideal time for a man to become
aware of his own health, lifestyle and their potential
effects on his growing
family. Throughout
the pregnancy it is
essential to include the
father in your prenatal
care, education and
delivery.
Many couples
experience ups
and downs as they
alternate between
excitement and
new concerns that
pregnancy brings.
Discussing your
feelings with people close to you may help with the
transition. Many couples experience a new intimacy
in their physical and emotional relationships during
pregnancy.
For more than 50 years, Memorial’s approach to maternity care has made us one
of this area’s leading maternity service providers. You, your baby and your family
members are very important to us, and The Family Care Birthing Center is proud
to be an integral part of over 1,500 births annually.
Education For
Pregnancy, Birth and
Parenting.
There’s no doubt about it parents are passionate when it
comes to the subject of childbirth
classes. They either love them or
hate them, and there is usually
no in between. Some couples
swear by them, insisting they
are every bit as important a part
of having a baby as choosing a
good caregiver and finding the
right place to give birth. Others
may view them as unnecessary.
Classes can actually be fun and
informative - provided you
choose the right classes and have
good instructors.
We hope to give you some good
reasons for attending childbirth
classes:
• Childbirth classes can help
reduce your anxiety about
giving birth by learning what
to expect - whether you have
a vaginal birth or cesarean
section.
• They educate you about
various birthing options so
that you have the facts you
need in order to plan for the
birth you want.
• They give you the
opportunity to make friends
with other expectant couples.
These contacts can be
valuable if you find yourself
housebound with a colicky
baby or in a difficult situation
in the future.
• Certain classes can help you
master breathing, relaxation,
and coping techniques
designed to reduce your
perception of pain during
labor. You will also learn
about medications and
anesthesia that you may
choose to use for pain relief.
• They give your partner the
chance to play an active role
in your pregnancy while
familiarizing them with the
role during delivery - to be
supportive, encouraging and
to act as your advocate.
• They give you an opportunity
to ask questions about
pregnancy, labor and delivery,
breastfeeding, and baby care.
These questions may also
include the pros and cons
of medication or epidurals,
episiotomy, circumcision, and
more.
A family-centered childbirth
and parent education program
emphasizes wellness, information
for all family members, health
enhancement, and family
autonomy, which are all
foundations of family-centered
care.
The Family Care Birthing Center
at Memorial offers classes
designed to assist our parentsto-be in the journey through
pregnancy and birth. Information
on pregnancy changes, both
physical and emotional, options
for labor and delivery and after
care for mom, coach and baby
are included. Participation of
both partners is encouraged
and helps make the classes
at Memorial beneficial and
meaningful. Family-centered care
is focused on throughout the
class.
Expectant Parenting Classes:
• Prepared Childbirth
• Baby Care and Parenting
• Breastfeeding Support for
New Mothers
• Sibling Class
• Refresher and Cesarean Birth
education are available by
appointment with the Special
Delivery Nurse.
Call (618) 257-4826 to schedule
your classes or (618) 257-6800
Extension 5853 to leave a
message for the Special Delivery
Nurse.
For a full listing of Childbirth Education classes
offered at The Family Care Birthing Center
at Memorial, visit www.memhosp.com/services/
familycarebirthingcenter.
Good Reasoning?
Things To Avoid During Pregnancy.
of oxygen the baby receives. The toxic effects
of tobacco smoke can lead to low birth weight,
miscarriage or stillbirth, and increased risk
cerebral palsy, mental retardation and other
anomalies.
• Alcohol and Drugs. No amount is safe. Call
your health care provider before using over-thecounter drugs.
Pregnant women should avoid certain foods and
substances because of the negative way they affect
your growing baby. The following list provides an
overview of the types of things that can be dangerous
during pregnancy. Depending on your particular
pregnancy and history of complications or health
concerns, however, there may be additional things
that you need to avoid. Be sure to talk to your health
care provider about what you should avoid so as to
best keep yourself and your baby healthy.
Avoid toxoplasmosis by staying away from cat liter
boxes. The infection comes from contact with cat
feces.
Everything you eat, smoke, drink or otherwise ingest
while pregnant affects not only your body but also
the developing body of your baby. Do not assume
that because you feel fine eating, drinking or smoking
something that this is also healthy for your baby. Your
baby’s developing body is far more fragile than yours.
Foods to avoid:
• Raw fish, especially shellfish
• Raw meat
• Unprocessed, unpasteurized (raw)
or aged cheese
• Unprocessed, unpasteurized (raw)
dairy products
These foods can be contaminated with infectioncausing bacteria that can cause miscarriage. Pregnant
women should also avoid consuming some ocean fish
such as tuna, salmon, shark, swordfish, tilefish and
mackerel. Although we know fish is a healthy food,
whether raw or cooked these fish can be likely to
contain dangerously high levels of mercury. This can
be associated with neurological and brain defects in
the fetus.
• Caffeine. Caffeine stays in a pregnant woman’s
blood longer and in the baby’s up to 15 times
longer. Most doctors agree that two caffeine
drinks a day are safe, but can reduce the
absorption of vitamins. Drink plenty of water
during your pregnancy,
especially with those prenatal
vitamins.
•
Cigarettes. Use of
tobacco products decreases
blood flow to the developing
baby, decreasing the amount
Remember to always wear your seatbelt and stay
healthy by avoiding people who are ill. Good hand
washing skills can decrease your chances of becoming
ill.
Obesity and
Nutrition.
Being overweight has
become a major health
epidemic for many
people in the United
States and this problem
spills into the pregnant
population. Keeping a
healthy weight during
pregnancy is good for
you and your baby.
When you become
pregnant your physician
will tell you how much weight you should gain. This
weight gain will be based on your BMI (Body Mass
Index) which will be measured by your physician at
your first prenatal visit.
If you fall into the obese category (BMI over 30)
you are at increased risk for complications during
pregnancy and labor and delivery. You will be
encouraged to gain less weight during pregnancy and
will receive special care upon your admission to labor
and delivery. Your physician will provide you with
information to keep your weight gain under control
and to assist you in maintaining a healthier lifestyle
during your pregnancy. You may receive a consultation
with a dietician who will provide education for
healthier eating habits.
Testing... 1, 2, 3
From that positive pregnancy test to delivery, there
are many tests available to help you and your health
care provider understand your pregnancy health
status. Some of the tests done in early pregnancy
include:
• Blood tests. Standard tests show your blood
count and can reflect if you are anemic or have
“iron poor blood.” Those blood cells that carry
oxygen to your baby are important! Prenatal
vitamins and iron can help build those cells.
• STD tests. Cultures or blood tests can rule out
sexually transmitted diseases or infections that are
harmful to both mom and baby. Tell your health
care provider if you might be at risk for infection
of any kind.
• Blood typing. It’s good to know your blood
type, especially during pregnancy. If you are Rh
negative you will need an antibody-screening test.
If that test is negative, that is a good sign and you
may be offered immune globulin to help keep it
negative. It helps prevent your body from making
antibodies later that react to the Rh-positive blood
that your baby may have.
• Urine tests. Simple tests of your urine are often
done at prenatal visits to check for sugar and
protein in your urine. Their presence can alert
the doctor to
observe for signs
of toxemia or
diabetes, which
can be serious
complications of
pregnancy.
• Ultrasounds.
Your healthcare
provider may do
one or a series
of ultrasounds
during your
pregnancy.
Information
about the
growing baby and the placenta can be obtained
from the ultrasound. It’s also fun to see the baby
moving around and often makes the pregnancy
seem more “real.”
• Cystic Fibrosis screening. Cystic fibrosis is
an inherited disease that affects breathing and
digestion. CF carrier testing checks to see if
parents-to-be have the abnormal gene that
causes Cystic Fibrosis. The test is taken through a
parent’s blood or saliva.
• Amniocentesis or Chorionic Villus Sampling.
Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
are common prenatal tests used to diagnose
chromosomal and genetic defects. CVS is done
earlier in pregnancy (usually 10-12 weeks) and
involves removing a tissue sample near the
placenta site through the abdomen or cervix.
Amniocentesis is a test of the amniotic fluid (water
around the baby) drawn out of the uterus through
a small needle. This test is done between 15 &
20 weeks. CVS and amniocentesis test for the
same birth defects. The procedures differ slightly,
however, in risk, timing and how soon results are
available.
Complications and Miscarriage.
Although most pregnancy symptoms present during
the first trimester are benign and merely annoying,
there are also a few symptoms to watch out for that
will require medical attention.
Contact your health care provider if you experience
any of the following symptoms:
• Bloody or watery vaginal discharge—it may or
may not be accompanied by uterine cramping
• Excessive vomiting
• Swelling of the hands, feet, or face
• Recurring headaches—may be accompanied by
blurred vision, dizziness
• Decreased urination or painful urination
• Fever
What’s Going On?
A Peek Inside!
During the first trimester, your
growing baby is developing at
an amazing rate. A baby starts
out as a few cells called an
embryo. After the eighth week
of pregnancy, your baby is called
a fetus. During this time, your
baby will proceed to develop the
basis for all of the mechanisms
it will need in the first trimester.
Development begins when the
fertilized egg attaches itself
to the wall of the uterus in a
process called implantation. If
all goes well, the fetus will be
approximately 6-7.5 centimeters
in length and weigh a little over
one ounce by the end of the first
trimester.
Some important developments
that occur during this stage
include:
• The development of the
placenta and umbilical
cord. These structures
are important for bringing
nutrients from the mother
and removing waste products
from the fetus back to the
mother.
• The development of the
amniotic sac, a fluid-filled
membrane that cushions the
developing fetus.
• The development of all major
organs. The heart begins to
beat on or around the 25th
day after conception.
• The development of the
neural tube, which goes on
to form the brain and spinal
cord.
• The development of the
limb buds, which are the
beginnings of the arms and
legs.
• The development of fingers,
toes, ears, ankles, wrists, and
eyelids. By the end of the
first trimester, the fetus will
have fingernails and toenails
and will have buds in its
mouth area that will go on to
become baby teeth.
Making Good Choices
During Your Pregnancy.
We hope to help you learn
aspects of pregnancy that you
may not have previously thought
of and to make informed choices
throughout your pregnancy.
Choosing who will help care for
you during your pregnancy, labor
and delivery is very important.
There are several types of health
care providers who can care for
your needs during pregnancy and
childbirth. Be sure to explore
options and evaluate what is
most important to you before
making a decision.
Doctors and other specialized
health care providers including
nurses, dieticians, and midwives
will be some important allies
during your pregnancy. They are
in the best position to guide you
through the process and to make
authoritative recommendations
that will benefit your baby’s
development and future health.
If you have already selected
a health care provider, make
an appointment early in your
pregnancy. Share your questions
and concerns about your
pregnancy. The goal of prenatal
care is to monitor the progress
of your pregnancy and identify
problems before they become
serious. Women who see a
health care provider regularly
have healthier babies and are
less likely to deliver prematurely.
Make sure you attend all of your
prenatal appointments, even if
you are feeling fine.
During prenatal visits, the
healthcare provider:
• Teaches you about pregnancy
• Monitors any medical
conditions
• Tests for problems with you
and the baby
• Refers you to services such
as support groups, the WIC
program and Childbirth
Education Classes
Read up on pregnancy, birth,
breastfeeding and baby care so
you can feel comfortable with
the choices you’ll be making.
Remember, in addition to good
prenatal care, be sure to have
a dental check up early in your
pregnancy to help your mouth
remain healthy.