Learn about the importance of prenatal care from CareSTL Health and how it can help you start your journey to parenthood.
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Prenatal Care in St. Louis
Having a baby is a life-changing event, and you may be experiencing a range of emotions about your pregnancy: from joy and excitement to moments of fear and uncertainty. Finding a prenatal doctor you trust and receiving prenatal care can help ensure your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.
Whether you are starting the journey to parenthood for the first time or have been down this path before, the CareSTL Health in St. Louis provides prenatal care and is here to guide you through the process.
We offer a variety of family planning resources and prenatal care for moms-to-be. As soon as you think you are pregnant, schedule your first prenatal appointment at one of our St. Louis locations nearest you:
5471 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
314.367.5820 Ext 2281
2425 Whittier Street
314.371.3100 Ext 6539
5541 Riverview Boulevard
314.389.4566 Ext 7454
Early Pregnancy and Prenatal Care in St. Louis
Prenatal care is the medical care you receive while pregnant. At each visit, your prenatal care provider will check on the baby and perform prenatal tests. This type of preventative care can help you achieve a healthy, full-term pregnancy, or identify risks for complications early. Most pregnancy complications are manageable when they are diagnosed early, and may include:
New onset high blood pressure
Developing preeclampsia
Developing gestational diabetes
Anemia
Identifying an infection
If any of these complications occur, the prenatal care team at CareSTL Health will help you understand what is happening, answer your questions, and treat the symptoms.
What to Expect at Your Prenatal Care Appointments
Prenatal appointments serve as a way for your doctor to monitor and measure your progress throughout your pregnancy. These appointments typically start with the positive pregnancy test and occur at scheduled times until your baby arrives. Expectant moms are welcome to come alone or bring a labor partner to your scheduled prenatal visits.
During the first prenatal appointment, you will meet with a prenatal provider to confirm your pregnancy, learn your baby’s due date, and discuss your medical history. The provider may also:
Obtain your height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and breathing;
Perform breast, pelvic and pap exams;
Test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
Take a blood sample to confirm your blood type and screen for diabetes, anemia, hepatitis B; and rubella;
Schedule an ultrasound.
Your follow-up appointments will likely be simpler and shorter than your first, depending on your needs and the needs of the baby. During follow-up appointments, you can expect your provider will:
Update your medical history and check your weight and blood pressure;
Test your urine;
Measure your belly;
Listen to your baby’s heartbeat.
During specific appointments, your medical provider may also:
Offer you the influenza vaccine;
Perform genetic testing;
Complete a glucose screening;
Offer you a tdap vaccine.
Schedule an Appointment at an Early Pregnancy Clinic Near You
Our team of dedicated and compassionate prenatal providers at CareSTL Health is here to help you through all stages of the family planning process. In addition to free prenatal classes, we offer a variety of services for mothers and moms-to-be, including well-woman office visits and pediatric care for children.
CareSTL Health in St. Louis has been providing medical care and support to uninsured individuals for more than 50 years. We are proud to serve everyone in need of care, regardless of income or socioeconomic status. Our goal is to provide quality and affordable healthcare to all.
If you would like to schedule a prenatal appointment with one of our OB/GYNs, make an appointment online today.
About CareSTL Health
CareSTL Health is a Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs or a Community Health Center -CHC). We are a community based healthcare system that provides medical care to underserved, underinsured, and uninsured populations. As a federally qualified health center we receive funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which is a part of the federal government. Under HRSA, CareSTL Health is mandated to provide comprehensive and social services, complete annual reporting requirements known as the Uniform Data System (UDS) and have a board of directors with the majority being patients themselves.
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