Expecting a Baby
We're with you for every step of your pregnany journey.
Congratulations – you’re expecting a baby! Like many expectant mothers, you might feel a healthy mix of excitement and anxiety. Preparing for your new baby and adjusting to the rapid changes in your body can make pregnancy one of the most exhilarating and exhausting times in your life. As you embark on this journey, we are committed to answering your questions and helping you have the best pregnancy and delivery possible.
To serve you better, please set your location for information on services available in your area.
SSM Health doctors and nurses offer personal, one-on-one attention for every mom-to-be and their baby while providing individualized care plans tailored to your birthing wishes.
An important deicion you'll want to make for your growing family is where to deliver your baby. SSM Health provides safe, comfortable home-like environments at our labor and delivery hospitals.
What is maternal and fetal medicine telehealth?
How SSM Health brings maternal and fetal medicine to everyone.
SSM Health is committed to providing quality and accessible Maternal and Fetal Medicine services to all our patients. Our telehealth services connect patients to our physicians through the use of high-quality video, audio and file transfers in real time - meaning you get access to high-quality care without having to travel outside of your community.
Services offered via maternal and fetal medicine telehealth include:
- Consultation Services
- Diabetes Education
- Genetic Counseling
- Level II Ultrasound
Learn more about telehealth services and how they work at SSM Health.
Choosing a doctor for your pregnancy journey:
One of the first things you’ll want to do is find a doctor to care for you during your pregnancy. Think about what you’d like your birthing experience to be like to guide you in your decision making process.
Once you've found a doctor it's time to for your first prenatal appointment. Early and routine prenatal care is vital to you and your baby’s health.
Frequently asked questions about prenatal care:
During your first visit, we’ll review your medical history and perform a physical exam to understand your overall health and any risk factors that might affect your pregnancy.
We’ll also:
- Determine your baby’s due date
- Schedule follow-up appointments
We typically perform a pelvic exam as well to determine the size of your uterus and pelvis. If you’re past week 10 to 12 of your pregnancy, we’ll also listen for your baby’s heartbeat using a doppler, an ultrasound-powered instrument.
Your doctor will order several lab tests during the early stages of your pregnancy. These tests screen for certain risks, including high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, sexually transmitted diseases, Hepatitis B, bladder infection, HIV, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell. We also screen for chromosomal abnormalities, including prenatal cell-free DNA screening.
The result of these tests will determine how often you need to see your doctor.
Typically, we recommend you have a check-up visit:
- Once a month for the first seven months of your pregnancy
- Every two to three weeks after 28 weeks of pregnancy
- Every week starting at 36 weeks
In the last month of your pregnancy, your doctor will focus on your labor and delivery, and examine your cervix (the opening of your uterus) for any significant changes.
Find answers to questions and read patient stories on our blog.
The SSM Health Matters Blog is a great resource to learn additional information about your pregnancy journey.
What medications can I take while pregnant?
You should avoid taking medications you have not been prescribed during your first trimester. Sometimes you might need to. Thankfully, several medications are safe to take during pregnancy.
Where to deliver at SSM Health:
One of the first decisions you'll want to make for your growing family is where to deliver your baby. We provide a safe, comfortable home-like environment for your delivery at our hospitals. We support these amenities with the best in obstetrical and pediatric care. At some locations, you'll also find maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists should a delivery become complicated and require more specialized care.
You can learn more about the maternity services available at each of the SSM Health hospitals below.
Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area
- SSM Health DePaul Hospital - St. Louis
- SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton
- SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Lake St. Louis
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - St. Louis
Jefferson City
Monroe
Baraboo, Janesville, and Madison
- SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Baraboo
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Janesville
- SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Madison
Greater Fond du Lac