Learn more about pregnancy, labor, birth and after birth at:
https://www.beaumont.org/services/womens-services/maternity
- Watch free labor and support videos
- Breastfeeding information and support
- Breathing techniques for labor and birth
- Develop your birth plan
- Guided imagery during labor and delivery including a free relaxation download
- How Beaumont is preparing for your safety during labor and delivery
- Sleep strategies for new parents
Pregnancy
Some of your decisions before and during childbirth may affect your risk of cesarean. These decisions are best made in collaboration with your provider during your prenatal visits, well in advance of labor beginning. Here are some common decision points:
- Whether to wait for labor to begin on its own (induction of labor may increase your risk of cesarean)
- Whether to be admitted to the hospital in early labor or to wait until active labor (being admitted in active labor improves your chances of having a vaginal birth)
- How to monitor your baby's heart rate during labor (low-risk women who are continuously monitored may be more likely to have a cesarean)
- Whether to have continuous labor support by a trained caregiver like a doula (continuous labor support improves your chance of having a vaginal birth)
- How to help manage labor pain and labor progress.
- How to stay hydrated and maintain strength during labor.
- Whether to remain mobile and upright during labor
- How to push around the time of birth
- What practices to engage in shortly after your baby is born and before you go home
Labor & Birth
- Understanding birth
- Natural birth class
- Hypnobirthing class
- Cesarean birth class
After Pregnancy
- Understanding your newborn class
- Understanding breastfeeding class
- Understanding and supporting the postpartum parent class
- Baby care and safety class
Beaumont Podcasts
- The fourth trimester episode
- Safe care: the labor and delivery episode
Infant Care and Development
Postpartum Adjustment and Mood Disorders
Breastfeeding Support Services
Postpartum Adjustment and Support
- Beaumont Parenting Education and Support (248) 551-4232
Email: parentingeducationandsupport@beaumont.org
- Beaumont Virtual Postpartum Adjustment Support Group Classes.beaumont.org
-
Postpartum Support International Virtual Support postpartum.net
Offers specialized online support groups for: Mood support, Dads, Spanish-speakers, South-Asian moms, Black moms, NICU parents, Birth moms, Military moms, Queer Parents, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Fertility Challenges, Termination for Medical Reasons and Postpartum Psychosis.
- Postpartum Support International HelpLine (800) 944-4773
- Postpartum Dads Postpartummen.com / postpartumdads.org
Pregnancy Lab Tests
Several tests are required during each pregnancy. Below is a list of recommended tests that you should have throughout the pregnancy. Some tests may be repeated as necessary. Some tests may be required that are specific to each pregnancy. Optional tests are listed as well.
First Trimester
- Blood type, antibody screen
- Complete blood count
- Rubella titer
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B & C
- Genetic testing/Carrier screening (if necessary)
- Blood sugar (if necessary)
- Urine drug screen
- Urine culture
- Vaginal/cervical culture (gonorrhea, chlamydia)
Second Trimester
- Genetic testing (if necessary/optional)
- Blood sugar
Third Trimester
- Complete blood count
- HIV, Syphilis
- Vaginal/cervical culture (GBS, gonorrhea, chlamydia)
- Genetic testing/Carrier screening (if necessary)
Vaccination Recommendations
Various vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy depending on the time of year, gestational age and those with at risk pregnancies.
- Covid-19
- Tdap (Whooping cough)
- Influenza
- RSV
Other vaccines: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, vaccines for travel
Also see the following recommendations:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/vacc-safety.html
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-advisory/articles/2022/10/maternal-immunization
*Please see the immunizations handout in your OB folder.
Weight in Pregnancy, Week by Week
Concerned about pregnancy and obesity? Understand the risks of obesity during pregnancy plus steps to promote a healthy pregnancy. By Mayo Clinic Staff
Having a high body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy can have a major impact on your health and your baby's health. Find out about the possible complications, recommendations for weight gain and what you can do to promote a healthy pregnancy.
Obesity is diagnosed when a person's BMI is 30 or higher. To determine your BMI, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiply by 703. Or divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.
| BMI | Weight status |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Standard range |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and higher | Obesity |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Having a high BMI can harm fertility by inhibiting regular ovulation. Even in women who regularly ovulate, the higher the BMI, the longer it may take to become pregnant. Some research also suggests that a higher BMI is associated with an increased risk of unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Having a high BMI during pregnancy increases the risk of various pregnancy complications, including:
- Miscarriage, stillbirth and recurrent miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes
- A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver and kidneys (preeclampsia)
- Heart problems
- Sleep apnea
- The need for a C-section and the risk of C-section complications, such as wound infections
Having a high BMI during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of various health problems for a baby, including:
- Congenital disorders
- Being significantly larger than average at birth (fetal macrosomia)
- Growth problems
- Childhood asthma
- Childhood obesity
- Cognitive problems and developmental delay
However, other factors also might play a role in these outcomes.
It's important to consider your pre-pregnancy weight and BMI when determining how much weight you need to gain during pregnancy. Work with your health care provider to find out what's best for you and to manage your weight throughout pregnancy.
Start by considering these guidelines for pregnancy weight gain and obesity:
- Single pregnancy. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher and are carrying one baby, the recommended weight gain is 11 to 20 pounds (about 5 to 9 kilograms).
- Multiple pregnancy. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher and are carrying twins or multiples, the recommended weight gain is 25 to 42 pounds (about 11 to 19 kilograms).
Rather than recommending that you gain a specific amount of weight, your health care provider might encourage you to focus on avoiding excessive weight gain during pregnancy.
If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, your health care provider will closely monitor your pregnancy. Your provider might recommend:
- Early testing for gestational diabetes. For women at average risk of gestational diabetes, a screening test called the glucose challenge test is often done between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher, your health care provider might recommend the screening test at your first prenatal visit. If your test results show that your glucose levels are within the standard range, you'll likely repeat the screening test between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. If the results show that your blood glucose levels are high, you'll need further testing. Your health care provider can advise you on blood sugar monitoring and control.
- Changes to your fetal ultrasound. A standard fetal ultrasound is typically done between weeks 18 and 20 of pregnancy to evaluate a baby's anatomy. But ultrasound waves don't easily penetrate abdominal fat tissue. This can interfere with the effectiveness of fetal ultrasound. Talk to your health care provider about the best approach for getting an accurate ultrasound.
- Screening for obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep. Women who have obstructive sleep apnea during pregnancy are at increased risk of preeclampsia and other complications. You'll likely be screened at your first prenatal visit. If obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, your health care provider may refer you to a sleep medicine specialist for evaluation and possible treatment.
You can limit the impact of having a high BMI on your health and your baby's health. For example:
- Schedule a preconception appointment. If you have a BMI of 30 or higher and you're considering getting pregnant, talk to your health care provider. Your provider might recommend a daily prenatal vitamin and refer you to other health care providers such as a registered dietitian who can help you reach a healthy weight before you conceive.
- Seek regular prenatal care. Prenatal visits can help your health care provider monitor your health and your baby's health. Tell your provider about any medical conditions you have such as diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea and discuss what you can do to manage them.
- Eat a healthy diet. Work with your health care provider or a registered dietitian to maintain a healthy diet and avoid excessive weight gain. Keep in mind that during pregnancy, you'll need more folic acid, protein, calcium, iron and other essential nutrients.
- Be physically active. Consult your health care provider about safe ways to stay physically active during your pregnancy, such as walking, swimming or doing low-impact aerobics.
- Avoid risky substances. If you smoke, ask your health care provider to help you quit. Alcohol and illicit drugs are off-limits, too. Get your health care provider's OK before you start or stop taking any medications or supplements.
Having a BMI of 30 or higher during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications for you and your baby. Working with your health care provider can help you manage your risks and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-and-obesity/art-20044409
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Breastfeeding Benefits
Breastfeeding provides many benefits to you and your baby. Realize that it takes time to feel fully confident, as breastfeeding is more than an instinct — it is a learned art. Be gentle on yourself, try to limit your activities, take good care of yourself, and ask for help and support. Remember that Beaumont lactation consultants are always here if you have any questions or concerns.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby
There are many benefits of breastfeeding for baby that can boost his or her overall health during infancy. Some studies also show that breastfeeding can have a positive impact on baby's health as he or she grows and develops.
The benefits of breastfeeding include:
- Breast milk is the most complete form of nutrition for infants.
- The first milk, called colostrum, is a gentle and natural laxative that helps clean your baby's intestine, which reduces the chance of jaundice occurring.
- A mother's milk has just the right amount of fat, sugar, water and protein needed for a baby's growth and development.
- Babies find it easier to digest breast milk than they do formula.
- Breastfed infants grow exactly the way they should; they tend to gain less unnecessary weight and be leaner, which may result in having fewer weight problems later in life.
- Breastfed infants experience fewer illnesses as children and are less likely to develop chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, Crohn's disease and different cancers.
- Breast milk can increase the effectiveness of immunizations and increase your baby's protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio (DTaP) vaccines.
- Some studies have shown that the activity of sucking at the breast improves the development of your baby's muscles, facial bones and teeth.
- Premature babies tend to do better when breastfed compared to premature babies who are fed formula.
Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom
The benefits of breastfeeding don't end with baby. Moms may benefit from choosing to breastfeed, especially exclusively, both in the near and long term. Mom's breastfeeding benefits include:
- Nursing uses up extra calories, making it easier to lose the pounds of pregnancy. It also helps the uterus get back to its original size and lessens any bleeding a woman may experience after giving birth.
- Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding (no supplementing with formula), delays the return of normal ovulation and menstrual cycles. However, you should still talk with your doctor or nurse about birth control choices.
- Breastfeeding your children lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, and it may also reduce the risk of hip fractures and osteoporosis after menopause.
- Breastfeeding can save time and money; you do not have to purchase, measure and mix formula, and there are no bottles to warm, which is especially convenient in the middle of the night.
- A mother can give her baby immediate satisfaction by providing her breast milk whenever and wherever her baby is hungry.
- Breastfeeding requires a mother to take some quiet relaxed time for herself and her baby.
- Breastfeeding can help a mother bond with her baby. The skin-to-skin contact increases mothering hormones, such as prolactin and oxytocin, leaving breastfeeding mothers with increased feelings of closeness and bonding, as well as greater self-confidence. This physical contact is important to newborns and also helps them feel more secure, warm and comforted.
So You Want to Breastfeed Successfully and Get Connected With Local Resources!
Download your free App to get the most up to date, evidence-based information to start you down the right path.
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Attention OB Patients
You can expect to have an ultrasound at your first OB visit, at 18–22 weeks for anatomy, and around 37 weeks to check fluid, position, and estimate weight.
All other ultrasounds are done for other medical reasons that will be determined by your provider.
If you have any questions, please ask your provider.
Thank you!
Safe Medications in Pregnancy
Allergy Symptoms
Cetirizine (Zyrtec®) • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) • Fexofenadine (Allegra®) • Fluticasone (Flonase®) • Loratadine (Claritin®)
Cough and Cold
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) for nasal congestion — Don't take this medication during the first trimester (the first 12 weeks of pregnancy). If you have high blood pressure, talk with your health care provider before taking this medication. • Guaifenesin (Mucinex®) for congestion • Dextromethorphan (Robitussin®) for cough • Benzocaine (Chloraseptic®, Cepacol®, Halls®) lozenges for sore throat.
NOT SAFE: cold remedies that contain alcohol (most liquid suspensions).
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) for aches, pains, and a temperature over 100.6°F (38.1°C) • Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. If headache persists despite Tylenol and rest; and if you have any other symptoms like vision changes, or if you have blood pressure issues, notify your doctor.
Constipation and Gas
Polyethylene glycol (Miralax®) • Docusate sodium (Colace®) stool softener • Fiber (Metamucil® or FiberCon®) • Simethicone (Mylicon® or Gas-X®) for gas
Diarrhea
Loperamide (Imodium®) for diarrhea lasting longer than 24 hours
Heartburn
Calcium (Tums®, Mylanta®, Maalox®) • Famotidine (Pepcid®)
Hemorrhoids
Topical phenylephrine hemorrhoidal gel (Preparation H® or Anusol®) • Witch hazel pads
Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger and Peppermint. Vitamin B6 (take 25 mg 3 times per day) plus doxylamine succinate (Unisom®) (take 25 mg up to 3 times per day)
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Miconazole (Monistat®) or You can use the 1 day, 3 day, or 7 day treatment