Pregnancy brings many feelings and questions— we’re here for you. You may have special needs and be unsure how to find ways to address those needs. Prenatal appointments are your time to get to know our medical staff, ask questions, and receive resources and assistance. Providence, can help you:
• Find a prenatal care provider
• Build support in stressful situations involving family, relationships and work
• Address concerns about having closely spaced pregnancies
• Understand complex medical concerns and your options
• Prepare for your new baby
Exceptional prenatal care is based on the foundation of a healthy mother and child. During prenatal appointments, we will monitor the normal progression of pregnancy by providing information on pregnancyrelated topics like nutrition, testing and other concerns as they arise.
Forms & Information
It's natural to have questions about childbirth. Here is a list of frequently asked questions about delivering at Providence.
If you are an established patient at our clinic, and are preparing for your next follow-up visit, please complete these forms and bring them with your to your next appointment. In addition we will also need your photo ID and current medical insurance card.
Ready to have your baby? Here's everything you'll need to prepare for delivery at a Providence hospital or medical center.
Before you preregister for your delivery, you must choose a primary care provider for your baby. This provider will coordinate well-baby visits, immunizations and general medical care for your baby for many years to come.
From the experts
Q: “Can I have my period and still be pregnant?”
Q. “I’m a 55-year-old male who is thinking about becoming a father. Does my age present any risks to the baby? My wife is 41. We are both in excellent health.”
Q: How long should I wait to get pregnant after…
- Having a medical procedure involving anesthesia?
- Taking prescription medications?
- Getting travel immunizations?
- Undergoing chemotherapy?
- Having uterine fibroids removed?
Q. What is “Group B strep,” and how do I know if my unborn baby is at risk?
Q: “Could it be possible for the male to be at fault for miscarriages? I’ve had two pregnant women in my life: The first woman had two miscarriages, and the second had one. Is there something wrong with my sperm?”
Q: “Is the risk of miscarriage higher during first pregnancies? Is the risk the same throughout pregnancy, or is there a time when I can start to breathe easier? And finally, is there any link between fertility problems and a higher risk for miscarrying?”
Q. "I am 40 and am, unexpectedly, expecting for the fourth time. In my last pregnancy seven years ago (same father), I gave birth three and a half weeks early due to preeclampsia. What is my risk of developing it again? Is there anything I can do to minimize my risk?"
Q: I just turned 40 and my husband and I would like to have a baby. What are the risks and what would you advise to optimize our chances of having a healthy baby?
Q: What exactly is SIDS, and why does sleeping on the back prevent it?
Q. “My wife and I are talking about conceiving a baby. I have been using marijuana and smoking cigarettes for about ten years. My wife has never smoked anything. Before we do this, I want to know if I should quit for a month or so to make sure that our children won’t have birth defects or problems later in life. My wife seems to think that what I do doesn’t matter, and that it’s only what she does that affects the baby. I’m not so sure. I want to do the right thing.”
Q. “I'm pregnant! This will be my first child. In your expert opinion, what are the top 10 things I should do to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby?”
Answers from Angela Keating, M.D., board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with Providence Medical Group Columbia Women's Clinic.
Women who are between four and 12 weeks pregnant may safely take the following over-the-counter medications. Follow all directions on the container for adult dosage and usage instructions.
Midwifery has long been an option for women wanting to deliver their babies with minimal medical intervention. Providence Health & Services has paired the personal support of midwifery with the modern comforts of a hospital since 1993.
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