Women spend over 1/3 of their lives in the childbearing years, when we not only have to think about our own health but also the health of the precious lives we bring into this world and nurture with our love. There are many exciting challenges and wonderful experiences throughout these years. Let us guide you through some common stages and questions:

• Planning Pregnancy
• During Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• High Risk Pregnancy

What are important healthy habits during the childbearing years?

• An overall balanced diet is very important for healthy pregnancies as well as your overall general health. Learn more about important nutrients for pregnancy from our Food & Nutrition department (655-3705).
• Smoking cessation is always important for overall health, even more important to improve the health of your pregnancy and your baby.
• Regular exercise can help overall fitness, heart health, and energy levels.  Our Health Fitness Center has a variety of classes and programs available.  If you are exercising regularly before pregnancy, you may be able to continue throughout your pregnancy but need to discuss this with your practitioner first.

So you're planning to get pregnant . . .
Babies don't always come according to our schedules. It is not uncommon for many couples to take longer to get pregnant than planned. If you feel you are one of these couples, discuss this with your practitioner. OSF offers instruction to help couples in planning their family.  In learning the Creighton Model FertilityCare ^TM System, you learn more about your body and the best times to conceive. Sometimes a women just needs to limit caffeine intake, or improve her diet. Other times the answer is more difficult and your practitioner can guide you.  However, most of these couples do manage to conceive without a lot of interference. 

It is important to see your physician for a complete examination when you are planning a pregnancy and as soon as find out you are pregnant to ensure the safest and most healthy pregnancy and baby. If you do not already have a physician, you can call 1-888-6ASK OSF (1-888-627-5673) for a referral. There are also resources in our own community to get pregnancy testing such as the Women's Pregnancy Center (688-0202) or Catholic Social Services (671-5720).

You found out you are pregnant!
Whether this is your first or your fourth baby, this is an exciting time of changes and new beginnings. Years ago, couples learned about pregnancy and parenting from the large family community of grandparents, aunts, uncles and neighbors sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience. In today's mobile, fast-paced society, we have to remember that parenting is a learned process. The OSF Saint Francis Family Birthing Center has many childbirth classes to prepare you for these wondrous times. Our Breastfeeding Resource Center also provides education, supplies, and support to assist you in providing your baby optimal nutrition for growth and development.

Am I high Risk?
For the most part, the miracle of pregnancy and birth progresses as planned. However, some pregnancies are considered high risk and need closer observation and management. These include teenagers (under 18 years old), women over 35 years of age, diabetics, women with twins, triplets, etc., women with current medical problems, eating disorders, or a previous high risk pregnancy. Your doctor may refer you to our specialists at the Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center for closer management of your pregnancy.