Newly Pregnant?

Planning to get pregnant or just got the news?

Congratulations! You just became a hospital-shopper.

Hear from two Swedish OBs about what you need to know if you’re planning to get pregnant or just found out you already are!

Welcome to one of the most exciting, anxious, and — ultimately —miraculous times of your life. If you haven’t figured out which hospital or what doctor or midwife will deliver your baby, don’t worry — you have until the 12th week of your pregnancy to find one. In the meantime, whether you’ve already received the good news or you’re just thinking about getting pregnant, here are the steps to take to ensure that you have a happy birth day:

1. Watch your diet, drinking, and medications to keep baby safe.

You’ve probably heard that alcohol and smoking are out — completely. It’s also smart to limit your caffeine intake, and stay away from certain kinds of fish that may have high mercury content (tuna, for instance). You’ll also want to be careful with any medications — both prescription and over-the-counter — until you can talk to your caregiver.

2. Check with your insurance company.

Insurance plans are all quite different. So you’ll want to give your insurance company a call or visit their website to see if they cover care from the hospitals, doctors, and midwives you’re considering. To double check your coverage, feel free to call the hospital or doctor’s office directly and ask if they’re included in your insurance plan.

3. Decide where you’d like to have your baby.

Since not all doctors deliver at all hospitals — and midwives practice at just a few — you’ll need to first choose where you’d like to go and then find a caregiver who delivers there. The video above gives an idea of what to consider when selecting a hospital. To get a first-hand look at Swedish’s four birth centers, you’re welcome to sign up for free birth center tours.

4. Find and see a doctor or midwife within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

You don’t need to see a care provider this instant, but since it can take a while to get a first appointment, start the process of finding your doctor or midwife soon. We should add, that if you’re thinking about having a doula assist you with your birth, they’re very welcome at Swedish.

You’ll want to ask your friends, of course, and you’ll need to decide which kind of caregiver suits you. The video above will help you decide if an obstetrician (OB), a family-practice doctor with an obstetrics specialty (FP/OB), or a midwife is the best choice to deliver your baby. You can also read about the types of providers you have to choose from.

Then, when you’re ready to meet some caregivers who deliver at Swedish, call 206-386-BABY (2229) and we’ll happily give you some suggestions.