Pregnancy Checklist

Topics to Discussion with Your Doctor

• Prenatal vitamins and exercise
• Normal weight gain during pregnancy
• Concerns regarding your occupation including exposure to heavy duties or harmful substances

Healthy Tips for You and Your Baby

• Stop drinking alcohol and cut back on caffeine.
• Begin eating a balanced, health diet.
• Get the tools to quit smoking and stay smoke free.
• Once you get the okay from your doctor, begin a prenatal exercise routine.
• Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding.

Prenatal Testing

• Early in your pregnancy, you'll undergo a cluster of routine prenatal tests including testing for sexually transmitted infections, as well as HIV testing. 
• Learn more about first-trimester, prenatal screening options for genetic abnormalities. Learn about the breakthrough in screening for Down’s syndrome.
• Each pregnancy is different. If you require advanced prenatal testing, these tests are available at Virtua.
• Ask your doctor when you may need an ultrasound.

Preparing for Delivery

• Set up a CaringBridge page to update all your loved ones on the health of you and your baby.
• Program the Pregnancy Healthline number 1-866-626-6847 into your phone. If you have concerns about being exposed to medications, chemicals or radiation, they can help.

Healthy Tips for You and Your Baby

• Plan on traveling? Best time to travel is between 14 and 28 weeks. If you are planning a trip, talk to your doctor about safety measures to take.
• Learn all you can about breastfeeding. The more you know, the better your chances are for successful breastfeeding.

Prenatal Testing

• If you are at increased risk for genetic abnormalities, definitive tests are available. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you.

Preparing for Delivery

• Become familiar with the hospital where you'll deliver your baby. Private and group tours are available. Call 1-888-Virtua-3 for more information.
• Find out about family-centered care at Virtua.
• Review your insurance for labor and delivery coverage.
• Virtua accepts most insurance. Ensure that Virtua accepts yours. Call 1-888-VIRTUA-3.
• Choose a primary support person. This person should attend prenatal visits and classes with you to learn how to support you during pregnancy and delivery. This person can remain with you throughout your labor, delivery and recovery at the hospital.
• Identify your three support people who will be able to accompany you during your delivery. (If you deliver via C-section, only one person can be in the operating room with you.)

Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

• Start keeping a list of potential baby names.
• Sign up for Virtua for Life, Virtua's free e-mail newsletter.
• Start your breastfeeding education. Classes and support groups are available at Virtua.

Prenatal Testing

• If you are experiencing complications during your pregnancy, Virtua's maternal-fetal medicine specialists are here to help. Find out more about Virtua's high-risk pregnancy services.
• Between 24 and 28 weeks, your doctor may prescribe a glucose test (for gestational diabetes), a complete blood count (for anemia), and any other test that may be indicated at that time. Talk to your doctor about these tests.

Preparing for Delivery

• Investigate your pain management options.
  
• Preregister with the hospital where you'll be delivering. 
• Choose a doctor for your newborn. Call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 to find a doctor near you.
• Decide if you want your baby to have supplemental screening.
• Decide if you will privately bank or donate your baby's cord blood.
• When you come to the hospital to deliver, we encourage you to spend time bonding with your baby. Learn about rooming-in

Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

• Learn about protecting your baby: from newborn screenings to immunizations.
• Get helpful advice on taking care of your baby. Sign up for Virtua's Baby Basics class.
• It’s important for a parent to be able to handle emergency situations. Call Virtua at 1-888-Virtua-3 to find out about CPR classes for parents.
• Undecided about breastfeeding? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months of a baby’s life. Take this class to help you decide.

Prenatal Testing

• If you haven't been tested since the beginning of pregnancy, talk to your doctor about getting tested for HIV.
• In certain circumstances, your doctor may suggest additional tests to monitor your baby more closely. Talk to your doctor regarding conditions that may require further testing.
• Around 35 to 37 weeks, your doctor may perform an exam to test for group B strep. Talk to your doctor about this test.

Preparing for Delivery

• Curious to see where you'll deliver? Schedule a hospital tour by calling 1-888-VIRTUA-3.
• If you haven't already done so, preregister with the hospital where you'll be delivering.
• Plan out your route to the hospital. Also have a backup route planned in case of an emergency.
• After your baby arrives, he/she will be placed on your bare chest. Learn about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact.

Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

• Learn more about what you expect when you take your baby home.
• Check with your insurance company regarding coverage for breastfeeding. Some companies help cover the costs of lactation support and breast pumps.
• Talk to you employer about where you’ll be able to privately use your breast pump upon your return to work.
• Attend local breastfeeding groups, such as La Leche League, to connect with other breastfeeding moms who can offer support, encouragement, information and education.

Prenatal Testing

• Around 36 weeks, your doctor may examine you for dilation and effacement (or thinning of the cervix). Talk to your doctor if you have questions regarding these exams.

Preparing for Delivery

• Remind your friends and family who'll be visiting you in the hospital that Virtua is a no smoking facility.
• Remember to bring your car seat with you to the hospital. Get it inspected by Virtua's certified child passenger safety seat technicians. Ask your nurse about this service.
• Pack for the hospital.
• Find out where to go when you are in labor.
• If you've decided to privately bank your cord blood, remember to bring your kit with you to the hospital, along with the proper paperwork.

Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

• Make sure you have all your breastfeeding supplies such as an infant feeding pillow, pump, nursing bras, etc.
• Download a breastfeeding app. From tracking feedings to taking the guesswork out of safe medications, there’s an app for that.
• Notify your insurance company of your baby's birth within 24 hours of delivery to ensure insurance coverage.
• Quiet time is from 2 to 4 pm. This time is reserved for you to rest and bond with your baby. We encourage you to limit visitors during this time.
• Look for your discharge packet when you leave the hospital. It contains your birth certificate form, discharge information and postpartum and breastfeeding support group information.
• Virtua staff will help you process the appropriate paperwork to get your baby’s birth certificate. Remember that this process can take up to several weeks.
• Check out Virtua's gift shops for a variety of gifts and personal care products for you and your baby.

• Find out about Virtua’s services for your little one as they grow.
• Get back in shape after your pregnancy. Call 1-888-Virtua-3 to be connected to fitness and nutrition experts who can help you.
• Need breastfeeding support? Virtua offers a support group and a Lactation Line.
  
  • Mount Holly (609) 914-7258
  • Voorhees (856) 247-2793
• Feeling the baby blues? You are not alone. Virtua offers postpartum depression support.
• Get some tips on how to handle sibling rivalry.
• Having trouble comforting your crying baby? Sign up for the Happiest Baby on the Block class at Virtua.
• Concerned that your baby is ill? Learn more about signs and symptoms of illness.