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Healthy Pregnancy & Childbirth
Healthy Pregnancy: Planning Is Key; Photo of couple
Whether you're planning to become pregnant or already are pregnant, the healthy choices you make before and during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on you and your unborn child. More

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The Meriter Birthing Center Learn about your care at the Meriter Birthing Center, create a birth plan specific to Meriter, receive information for your visitors, and more.

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Pregnancy Quizzes Challenge your knowledge of pregnancy and childbirth.
Childbirth: A Timeline to Ease Your Mind
Preparing for Pregnancy
Even before you become pregnant, your health matters to your future baby. Two tips: Address any medical problems before becoming pregnant, then get regular prenatal care.
First Trimester
You need to take care of yourself for a new reason. Your health can affect your baby's growth. Focus on your health for two reasons now, not one.
Second Trimester
This often is called the "golden trimester." You're starting to show. And you're starting to glow. Use this time to have fun with your partner, your friends, and your family.
Third Trimester
Visits with your health care provider will be biweekly, then weekly. Ask now about labor, childbirth, the warning signs of preterm labor, and when to call your provider.
Labor and Delivery
Probable signs of labor: your contractions are getting stronger; your contractions are regular (about every 5 minutes) and getting more painful; your water breaks.
Mom's and Baby's First Weeks
As you and your baby adjust to life together, it's important to trust yourself. Allow time to get to know each other.
Picture of the Orange-Walnut Salad Recipe
Healthy Recipes

Layer the ingredients in a large salad bowl, then add the dressing and cheese just before serving.

From the Recipe Box: Go