Your Pregnancy Journey
Congratulations—pregnancy is an exciting time and we're happy to share it with you. Your body and baby will change a lot over the next 40 weeks, and your Atrium Health Floyd Women's Care Family Birth Center will guide you through every stage.
You're Pregnant: Now What?
Wherever you are on your pregnancy journey, it's common to feel joy and some nervousness about what will happen before baby is born. To put your mind at ease, here is a list of things you can do to prepare for the best possible experience.
Find an OB-GYN
If you do not have one, the first step after becoming pregnant is to find an OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist). An OB-GYN is a medical professional who specializes in pregnancy care before, during and after your baby is born.
Choose an OB-GYN who makes you feel comfortable and takes time to answer your questions during this important health journey. Ask the office if they offer free “meet and greet" sessions to get to know the team.
Learn About Maternity Care at Atrium Health Floyd
If this is your first baby, you likely have questions about childbirth and your experience at Atrium Health Floyd Women's Care Family Birth Center. Take time to learn about our:
Take Childbirth Classes
The more you know about pregnancy and childbirth, the more confident you will feel. All expectant parents can benefit from our
range of classes and support.
Led by experienced childbirth educators and certified lactation consultants, topics cover birth, breastfeeding, baby safety, becoming a parent and more.
Tour Our Family Birth Center
We offer both in-person and virtual tours of our
Atrium Health Floyd Women's Care Family Birth Center before your delivery so you can learn more about what to expect.
Get Paperwork in Order
Before you deliver, contact your health insurance company to learn the steps to take to add baby after birth. Also, contact the hospital to
preregister for your birth to save time on the day you deliver.
You may want to consider an advanced directive—or living will—as well. This outlines your wishes concerning medical treatments.
Find a Pediatrician
Choosing your baby's pediatrician is an important decision. You will want to begin a relationship before your baby is born. Ask friends or family for a recommendation, or learn more about
Atrium Health Floyd's pediatric services.
Our pediatricians offer free prenatal visits to meet the team, tour the office and ask questions about the practice.
Presurgery Testing
In some cases, your doctor may decide Cesarean delivery (C-section) is safest for both you and your baby. If your C-section is planned, your doctor may request presurgery testing, including fetal monitoring and bloodwork, before delivery. You will also be given a scheduled time to arrive at the hospital.
Your Birth Plan
A birth plan is a guide to help you make decisions about your birth experience. We encourage you to talk to your OB-GYN about your plan and bring a copy with you to the birth center so our team can honor your wishes.
Your birth plan can help you set goals and expectations, such as:
- Natural birth or pain management
- Breastfeeding preferences
- Which family members will be present
- Items you need in the labor and delivery room