On Track to Delivering a Healthy Baby

For many expecting mothers, the final trimester leading up to delivery is the most challenging part of the pregnancy. During this time your body changes shape to accommodate your fast-growing baby. You may continue to gain weight and feel increasingly uncomfortable; your feet may swell; backache or soreness may intensify; and you may feel exhausted during the day and have difficulty sleeping at night. As much as possible, try to rest and continue to take good care of yourself as your due date approaches.

Focus on You

When you're busy with all the details — choosing a crib, decorating the baby's room, attending baby showers, installing a car seat — it's easy to forget about your health. Beth Wilson, FNP, OMH Medical Group – Indian River clinic, recommends that pregnant women ask for help from their partner, family and friends to avoid getting overly tired and stressed. “Do your best to continue eating well and getting some light exercise (with your health provider's permission, of course),” says Wilson.

In addition, she recommends the following steps to future mothers-to-be:

1. Continue your prenatal visits as scheduled. The prenatal care you receive is very important in the final weeks of pregnancy — it is common to have prenatal visits every week starting at 36 weeks. Your health provider will continue checking the baby's heart rate and watching your health closely. He or she may check your cervix to watch for dilation or softening in preparation for birth.
2. Know your options for labor and delivery. Your health care provider can walk through your options for pain management and different scenarios for delivery, including the possibility of cesarean section for high-risk situations. If you haven't already, you and your partner may want to take a childbirth preparation class to learn more about what to expect during labor and delivery. OMH has classes offered regularly, including online and in Indian River.
3. Write down your preferences. Your birth experience will most likely turn out differently than you expect, but it can still be helpful to write down a birth plan. Your plan may include preferences for pain management, expectations for bonding with baby immediately after delivery and plans for breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
4. When in doubt, call your health provider. It may not be easy to identify when true labor starts because many women experience early contractions (called Braxton-Hicks contractions or false labor). Call your doctor or clinic if you experience contractions that persist or grow stronger. If you suspect your baby is moving less than normal (less than 10 movements within two hours) or if you experience vaginal bleeding, call your health care provider right away to rule out any serious problems.

Convenient Care You Can Trust

“With the expansion of our Indian River clinic, OB/GYN services are available five days a week — bringing convenient care you can trust close to home,” says Wilson. “No one can predict how your birth experience will unfold. That's why it's important to surround yourself with support so you feel confident and ready for anything. At OMH, our health professionals are here to help you with that!”

Mother and baby receive personalized care in a comfortable setting with state-of-the-art technology, expert physicians and highly trained staff. Our team has the expertise to care for you and your family every step of the way. Call 989-731-2111 to schedule a tour of the OMH Birthing Center or learn more on the website.

Breastfeeding Support and Education

Certified lactation consultants are available at OMH to provide education and breastfeeding assistance for moms during their hospital stay or when they return home.

Childbirth Education Classes

We offer a range of classes for expecting parents on prenatal care, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, care of infants and more. Here are the current class listings.

Any Age, Any Stage

Family Nurse Practitioner Beth Wilson is passionate about providing care to women who are pregnant (or trying to get pregnant) and at every other age and stage in their lives. In addition to full-time OB/GYN care, the practice provides the following services for patients at OMH Medical Group – Indian River:

• Onsite digital mammography
• Annual wellness checkups
• Preventive health screenings for women
  • Blood pressure checks
  • Cervical cancer
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
• Immunizations
• Lab work
• In-office procedures