As a new parent, determining your baby's future should be done with the confidence of knowing that your little bundle of joy will get a great start. St. Bernards has been the choice for thousands of mothers through the years. Giving babies a great start is what we do.
The maternity nursing staff at St. Bernards is the region’s most experienced care provider with the best obstetricians in the area. Our birthing suites offer new mothers all the amenities you could want or need for both mom and baby. This includes the area’s only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
For the convenience of our patients, St. Bernards offers two locations to receive prenatal care – St. Bernards OB/GYN Associates and St. Bernards Pregnancy Clinic.
New and expectant mothers may have many questions, and each pregnancy is unique. Our professional obstetricians will help new mothers develop a care plan that fits the needs of both mom and baby. Generally, prenatal visits occur within these guidelines:
0 - 28 weeks: Office visit once every four weeks
29 - 35 weeks: Office visit once every two weeks
36 weeks - Delivery: Typically, a weekly office visit
New and experienced parents can expect the following to be performed during each visit for the expecting partner.
- Weight, blood pressure, and urine analysis for sugar and protein
- Measurement of uterine growth (also called fundal height)
- A Doppler will be used to listen to the baby’s heartbeat beginning as early as week 13
Pregnancy is a special time for the mother and baby; during this time, mothers must take care of what they use over the counter. Our physicians approve the following medicines to take during pregnancy.
| Symptom | Approved Medicine |
| Cough |
|
| Sinus Symptoms |
|
| Gas |
|
| Nausea & Vomiting |
|
| Heartburn |
|
| Fever / Minor Pain |
|
| Constipation |
|
| Hemorrhoids |
|
| Vaginal Yeast Infection |
|
| Diarrhea |
|
If you still want to understand more of what to expect during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and post-partum our trained staff has provided this guide to answer many of your questions.
Download the St. Bernards Pregnancy Guide.
Perinatal Mental Health
Mental health has become a notable topic in society. During pregnancy, this is called perinatal mental health, which refers to the mothers’ mental health during and after the pregnancy. The transition from motherhood can be both wonderful and stressful simultaneously. A mother’s mental wellness plays a significant role in the bonding between mother and baby. Perinatal mental health affects approximately 20 percent of new and expectant moms. Pregnancy can bring a wide range of conditions into a woman's life, and mental health is vital to the mother's overall well-being.
Many mothers suffer from post-partum depression, more commonly known as “baby blues.” This is a disorder that occurs after the birth of a baby, and symptoms may include:
- feeling anxious
- irritable, moody
- depressed
- insomnia or trouble sleeping
- crying
- having panic attacks
- generally feeling like you are unable to care for your baby.
This condition can be severe. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these feelings, we are here to help. Our dedicated staff at St. Bernards Counseling Center has specialized perinatal mental health training. Each of these staff members is here to help you on your journey through motherhood and everything along the way.
In Case of Emergency
If you feel you have an emergency related to your pregnancy, call 911 or visit the Obstetrics Emergency Department (OB-ED) on the 5th floor of St. Bernards Medical Center. All non-emergent needs should start with a call to your OB clinic/doctor. In the case of an emergency, please call 911 or visit the OB-ED on the 5th floor of St. Bernards Medical Center.