This information should not take the place of visiting with your healthcare
provider. If you have any additional questions, call the Birthing Center at
712.755.4244.
Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. Even if you feel that
what you're experiencing isn't too serious, it's always wiser to err on
the side of caution. Please call the Birthing Center at
712.755.4244 to schedule a visit and ensure that everything is alright with both you and baby.
What does it mean if I am bleeding during pregnancy?
Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester is common, occurring in approximately
25% of all pregnancies. It is important to always inform your maternity
provide, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are in, when spotting or
bleeding has occurred, especially if you start experiencing additional
symptoms such as:
Low back pains,
Abdominal cramping,
Feeling lightheaded and/or weakness,
Begin running a high fever and/or experiencing chills.
How do I know if I am in labor?
Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between what is true labor or just
your body preparing for labor. Here are some common differences to help
determine the difference between true labor and false labor:
True Labor Signs
Contractions are happening at regular intervals and get closer together over time
Contractions increase in length and strength
Discomfort usually begins in the back and radiates around to the abdomen
Contractions increase while walking and changing position and do not stop
when changing positions or resting
False Labor Signs
Contractions are not consistent and do not get closer together
Discomfort is usually in the front of the abdomen
Walking has not effect on or lessens contractions, may stop if you change positions
It is always encouraged for moms to rest, eat a well-balanced diet, and
drink at least eight glasses of water per day which can help with the
frequency of Braxton Hicks occurring.
Did my water just break?
Your water may have broken if you experience:
A popping feeling followed by a gush or trickle of fluid from your vagina.
Fluid in your underwear or down your leg in either small or large amounts.
Wetness that’s odorless and clear or pale yellow.
Uncontrollable leaking from the vagina that you can’t “hold
in.”
Leaking fluid that’s thin and watery instead of thick and sticky.
Leaking fluid followed by contractions that are stronger than before.
If you’re unsure if your water broke, it’s helpful to put on
a clean pair of underwear or a sanitary pad. Don’t put a tampon
inside your vagina. Lie down and try to relax for 15 to 30 minutes. When
you stand up, see if fluid comes out. If the fluid is your water breaking,
it should come out when you stand. Note the color, the amount, and the
smell. This can also help you decide if it’s amniotic fluid, pee,
or vaginal discharge. Do not shower if you believe your water has broke.
Your water breaking is a sign that labor is coming. The fluid you feel
gushing or trickling from your vagina is amniotic fluid, the liquid that
surrounds and protects the baby.
Call your maternity provider or the Birthing Center immediately if you
believe your water broke.
Visitation
Myrtue Medical's Birthing Center is open for visitation.
We observe quiet time from 2 PM to 4 PM every day on the Birthing Center
floor so mothers and babies can bond and rest in a peaceful environment.
We encourage visitors to arrange different hours to visit the new little one.
One thing we like to remind all expectant parents and visitors is the importance
of washing hands. Newborns are still developing their immune systems,
so you should always wash your hands before touching a new baby and avoid
kissing them on the face. Even a small cold for an adult can turn into
a serious health concern for a baby.
Exceptional Care at Every Stage of Pregnancy
Myrtue Medical Center (MMC), along with our maternity providers, nurses,
and the Birthing Center, are here to support and care for you and your
family throughout your pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. Our entire team
is committed to providing you the most comprehensive prenatal, delivery,
and postpartum care possible, and we will be with you every step of the
way over the next nine months. We encourage you to also check out our
FAQs page to read our welcome letter and find answers to many of our most asked
questions.
PRENATAL PATIENT CARE OUTLOOK
You are able to start OB visits with Myrtue's
maternity providersas early as five to six weeks, or when you have a positive pregnancy test, to confirm your pregnancy.
Once the pregnancy has been confirmed, you will begin the following timetable
unless otherwise instructed by your maternity provider.
START - 28 WEEKS
Appointments every four weeks
First initial ultrasound to confirm pregnancy
Genetic Testing + labs at 10 weeks
Anatomy ultrasound scan at 20 weeks
28 WEEKS - 36 WEEKS
Appointments every two weeks
Glucose tolerance test + labs at 28 weeks
Additional anatomy and growth ultrasound at 28 weeks
Additional anatomy and growth ultrasound at 36 weeks
POSTPARTUM CARE:
Myrtue Medical's
Birthing Center provides comprehensive care for both you and your baby during your stay
with us. Your maternity provider will stop by every day to monitor you
and answer any questions you may have. Your newborn's provider will also
check-in daily and discuss your newborn's plan of care with you. This
ensures that both you and your baby are receiving the necessary care and
attention to recover and thrive.
Once you are discharged from the Birthing Center, you will continue to
receive care from your maternity provider. You will be scheduled for follow-up
appointments at three and six weeks postpartum to make sure your body
is continuing to heal properly. After these appointments, you will be
released to your primary care provider for ongoing care. Your newborn
will be seen 48 to 72 hours after dismissal and at two weeks after birth
with their new primary care provider. The OB nurse will take care of scheduling
the first appointment with your choice of provider.
Newborn Primary Care
We have a wide range of physicians at Myrtue Medical Center ready to be
your newborn's primary care doctor.
