At Newman Regional Health, close to 500 babies are delivered each year. It is our desire that each of those babies and their mothers have the healthiest pregnancy and delivery possible – leading to a lifetime of health and happiness.
Healthy Pregnancy Starts Early
Heather Aylward, Director of the Women’s Life Center at Newman Regional Health, says healthy pregnancy begins before conception.
“We really want moms to get healthy before they think about getting pregnant,” Aylward said. “It is really good to get healthy before the pregnancy and begin taking prenatal vitamins. We want mom to focus her health so she is ready for a pregnancy.”
Before pregnancy, take a vitamin supplement that has 400 micrograms of folic acid in it every day. During pregnancy, the amount of folic acid should increase to 600 micrograms. Taking folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine called neural tube defects. Neural Tube Defects happen in the first month of pregnancy, before you may know that you’re pregnant. That is why it’s important to have enough folic acid in your body before you get pregnant.
Educate Yourself
Seeking prenatal care from a physician early in the pregnancy increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy. A physician can guide you through your pregnancy related health concerns and provide education about maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It is easy to schedule an appointment through our website or by calling 620-343-6800. For a list of Newman Regional Health providers click here.
Being pregnant and having a baby is a wonderful experience, yet it can be scary, too! Whether you are experiencing a pregnancy for the first time or the fourth time, each experience is different and can create new challenges and concerns. The more you can learn with each pregnancy, the better you will be able to care for yourself and your baby and the healthier you both will be.
Newman Regional Health is now providing group education sessions to all pregnant patients. These group sessions are called Becoming a Mom.
Becoming a Mom classes will help you:
- Interact with other pregnant women
- Share your experiences and concerns
- Learn more about common pregnancy experiences
- Learn more about labor and delivery
- Learn how to be successful with breastfeeding
- Learn how to calm your baby
To learn more about the classes and when the next session is scheduled visit our website.
Wait Between Pregnancies
The March of Dimes advises that women should wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again.
“We are working with the March of Dimes to let women know they should wait 18 months between pregnancies,” Aylward said. “There is a four times greater risk of early birth if you wait less than six months between pregnancies. We want to prevent prematurity.”
Premature babies are more likely to have health problems and have to stay in the hospital longer than babies born at full term. Healthy babies are worth the wait.
Childbirth at Newman Regional Health
As an expectant mother, you want the very best medical care to ensure that your baby is born healthy and that you stay strong enough to care for your newborn. At Newman Regional Health, we offer private rooms which allow for an ideal setting during your special and very intimate time.
When you choose the Women’s Life Center at Newman Regional Health, you’re choosing to give birth in a compassionate and comfortable environment. Our team of the most dedicated providers, certified nurse midwife, and nurses work together to deliver quality, attentive care for you and your baby.