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Your maternity journey

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Maternity Care
Your Maternity Journey
Maternity Resources
High-Risk Pregnancy Care
Forms and Registration
Maternity FAQs

Northside Hospital is here to guide you through motherhood.

Your maternity journey is unique, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. From choosing the right provider to guiding you through each stage of pregnancy, our team is dedicated to providing expert care and personalized support for you and your baby.

Throughout your first, second, and third trimesters, we help you stay informed, prepared, and confident. When it’s time for labor and delivery, you’ll be supported by an experienced care team focused on your comfort and safety. After your baby arrives, our postpartum and aftercare services continue to support your recovery and your baby’s early development.

 

Maternity eBooks & Downloads

Your Guide to a Heathy Pregnancy (eBook): English | Spanish
Your Packet for Pre-Admission (eBook) English | Spanish
Your Guide to Identifying Labor Preferences (PDF): English
Labor Preferences Worksheet (PDF): English
Your Guide to the NICU: English | Spanish
Your Guide to Postpartum & Newborn Care: English | Spanish

Finding a provider

Your first step is selecting the right provider for your pregnancy care. Once your pregnancy is confirmed with a home test and a blood test, you are ready to schedule your first prenatal appointment. Be sure to check that your provider is covered by your insurance before booking.

OB-GYN

An OB-GYN is a medical doctors trained in pregnancy, childbirth, and women’s health. They are trained to manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies and can perform medical procedures, including C-sections. Care with an OB-GYN tends to be more clinical and focused on monitoring and managing potential complications.

Midwife

A midwife, often a certified nurse midwife, is an advanced practice provider who specializes in low-risk pregnancies and childbirth. Midwives focus on a more personalized, supportive approach, emphasizing education, natural birth options, and continuous care throughout pregnancy and postpartum.

Find a Maternity Provider
What to expect

• Choose a Provider
• Confirm Pregnancy at home
• Check Insurance Network
• Schedule First Appointment

First trimester

(WEEK 1–12)

The first trimester is a time of rapid change as your body begins to support your baby’s development. While it can feel overwhelming, understanding what’s happening can help you feel more prepared and confident. Starting a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid is one of the most important things you can do right now.

Caring for mom

Hormonal changes may bring fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, frequent urination, and mood swings. It’s common to feel both excited and anxious during this stage.

Baby’s growth

Your baby’s major organs and systems begin to form, including the brain, heart, and spine. By the end of this trimester, your baby has a heartbeat and developing arms, legs, fingers, and toes.

Resources

Baby Bump AppMaternity Classes
What to expect

• Initial Visit (8–10 Weeks)
• Labs & Screening
• Optional Genetic Screening: 
 NIPT (~10 Weeks)
• First Ultrasound (~10–13 
 Weeks)

Second trimester

(WEEK 13–27)

The second trimester is often the most comfortable phase of pregnancy. Many early symptoms begin to ease, and you may start to feel more energized and connected to your pregnancy.

Caring for mom

Hormonal changes may bring fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, frequent urination, and mood swings. It’s common to feel both excited and anxious during this stage.

Baby’s growth

Your baby’s major organs and systems begin to form, including the brain, heart, and spine. By the end of this trimester, your baby has a heartbeat and developing arms, legs, fingers, and toes.

Resources

Glucose Class
What to expect

• Routine Prenatal Visits
• Anatomy Scan (18–22 Weeks)
• Glucose Test (24–28 Weeks)
• Feeling Baby’s First Movements