Preparing for Birth

Here are some things to think about as you near the end of your pregnancy and prepare for birth.

Childbirth classes teach you and your partner what to expect and ways to cope during labor and delivery. The classes also help you with some of the decisions you'll have to make during this time.

• Most women take a childbirth class sometime during the third trimester of pregnancy. Classes usually last several weeks.
• Check with the hospital or center where you plan to give birth for class schedules and registration.

Health care for your baby should be arranged before you give birth. Newborns need several visits to the doctor for checkups and immunizations. Do some research before choosing a doctor.

• Find out about the doctor's education, years of service, specialties. Use the Find a Doctor directory here on priorityhealth.com to check.
• Check on office hours and how emergency calls are handled.
• Request interviews with one or two doctors who seem to be likely candidates.

Consider breastfeeding your baby. Many resources are available to breastfeeding mothers. Your doctor will have more information. Priority Health's HealthyEncounters^SM Program offers Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Resources, where you'll find a list of local organizations with information on breast-feeding.