We deliver babies at Memorial Hospital, part of UMass Memorial Healthcare, which is home to a modern, comprehensive maternity center.
Our obstetricians provide attentive, personalized care to ensure that you have a safe labor and delivery.
Talk to your doctor or one of our nurses about how to alleviate any discomfort. Pregnancy can cause side effects including morning sickness (especially early in the pregnancy), heartburn, constipation, hemorrhoids, backache, and fatigue. Take only medications that are necessary and recommended by your doctor, including herbal preparations and over-the-counter medicines.Fish known to be high in mercury (shark, tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish).Processed meats such as hot dogs or deli meats.Raw or undercooked meats, fish or shellfish.Certain foods can be life-threatening to an unborn baby, cause birth defects or miscarriage.Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs.Some lifestyle choices to keep in mind while pregnant: Taking Care of Yourself During Pregnancyīy taking care of yourself during pregnancy, you take care of your developing baby. Please visit our Prenatal Tests & Screening page for details. Important prenatal tests will be done at specific stages of your pregnancy. Your healthcare team will check your weight and blood pressure at each visit, and the size and shape of your uterus may also be measured to determine fetal growth. Every 4 to 6 weeks during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.How often you see your doctor depends on whether you have a high-risk pregnancy. Routine Doctor Visits and Prenatal Testing But do start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as you know you’re pregnant. If you learn you’re pregnant before you can do either of these, don’t worry. Talk to your doctor who can refer you to a genetic counselor. If you or your partner has a family history of a genetic disorder, genetic testing is advisable.
Folic acid can prevent neural tube defects (problems with the development of the spine and nervous system), which can occur in the first 28 days of pregnancy – often before you even know you’re pregnant. Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid, calcium, and iron before you get pregnant.If you’re planning a pregnancy, see your doctor for a complete check-up to make sure that you’re in good health and don’t have any conditions that could affect your pregnancy. Ideally, prenatal care should begin before you get pregnant. Our team of obstetricians and nurses provide all the services you need to help you and your developing baby stay as healthy as possible during pregnancy and birth. At Women’s Health of Central Massachusetts, we are delighted to care for you during your pregnancy, delivery and post-partum (after birth).