You're Pregnant
After months of trying — or perhaps unexpectedly out of the blue — you began noticing the signs of early pregnancy:
A home pregnancy test confirmed your suspicions, and now you're wondering, "What's next?"
See Your Doctor
To ensure a healthy pregnancy, it's important to schedule a prenatal visit. When you call to schedule your appointment be sure to ask about prenatal vitamins. Your body will be undergoing some pretty amazing changes over the next nine months, and your doctor should get involved as early as possible to make sure everything goes well.
Get Answers
Questions are sure to come up throughout your pregnancy, particularly if you are a first-time parent. The links below are designed to address many of the most common concerns. Of course, your doctor is still your best resource for answers and advice.
Get Involved
As your pregnancy progresses, you may want to take advantage of the many classes and events available at MeritCare. We've also put together a list of suggested resources (books and organizations) to help you through this time.
Stay Informed
Something miraculous is happening every day of your pregnancy. Learn more about your baby's development — and your own — by signing up for our free, weekly pregnancy e-mail newsletter, "The Mother's Heart." Read about everything from your emotional ups and downs to the baby's nutritional needs to coping tips for expectant dads.
Pick a Name
In the past few years, more than 5,000 babies have appeared on BassiNet, our online birth announcement board. Discover the most popular baby names to appear on BassiNet, and get some ideas for naming your own addition.
Learn About Breastfeeding
Deciding whether or not to breastfeed is another important decision facing new mothers. MeritCare offers "Breastfeeding Beginnings," a class about factual, practical breastfeeding information so that you can make an informed decision.
MeritCare also offers lactation services. For breastfeeding questions or consultation call (701) 234-5560.
For those who choose to breastfeed, additional questions arise, including:
Hot Topics
General Concerns
10 things that might surprise you about being pregnant
Pregnancy myths and tales
Medical Care and Testing
Medical care during pregnancy
Prenatal tests
Genetic testing for birth defects
Fetal ultrasound
Amniocentesis
Location of the birth
Lifestyle Issues
Alcohol, smoking and other precautions during pregnancy
Eating during pregnancy
Exercising during pregnancy
The MeritCare pre- and post-natal exercise program
Sex during pregnancy
Sleeping during pregnancy
Travel during pregnancy
Working or going to school during pregnancy
Caring for your other child or children during pregnancy
Health & Wellbeing
Folic acid and pregnancy
Folic acid deficiency anemia
Nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy
Staying healthy during pregnancy
Discomforts and Complications
What is a "normal" pregnancy?
Gestational diabetes
Heartburn during pregnancy
Hemorrhoids and constipation
Preeclampsia and hypertension
Bed rest
Preterm labor
Multiples
Preparing for multiple births
Multiple pregnancy: twins or more
Unexpected Outcomes
Miscarriage
Still birth
Ectopic pregnancy
Premature birth
Preparing for the Birth
Breastfeeding
Birth plans
Childbirth education class