Public Health

Maternal & Child Health - Frequently Asked Questions

I'm thinking about getting pregnant. What do I need to know?

A visit to your healthcare provider before you become pregnant is a good idea. You can get information about starting pregnancy in a healthy way and get information about health questions or concerns.

Now is the time to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, or using street drugs. Check with your health care provider about prescription and over the counter medications. For more information about stopping smoking, contact our department. All women who can become pregnant should get 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Foods with lots of folic acid include: fortified cereals, fortified/ enriched grain products, nuts and peanut butter, asparagus, spinach, liver and orange juice.

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How can I get a pregnancy test?

Pregnancy testing is available by appointment at Sherburne County Public Health Department. Urine pregnancy tests are done by a registered nurse with results available immediately. Education and referral is available according to your health needs or concerns.

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Why is good nutrition important when I am pregnant?

Eating well is important for you and your baby. A good diet helps you look and feel good throughout pregnancy. Eating the right foods and gaining weight appropriately will help your baby grow well, too. Did you know...

  • Milk and dairy foods are important for your baby's teeth and bone development? Try to have 3-4 servings a day.
  • Vegetables and fruits are important for the development of baby's skin and eyes?
  • Try to have at least 5 servings daily. Include one vitamin C food daily. Try foods of different colors for a greater variety of nutrients.
  • Meat, fish and beans are important for your baby's strong muscles and healthy blood? Try to have at least 3 servings a day.
  • Breads, cereal, rice and pasta are important for your baby's growth? Look for foods that have folic acid added to them. It helps prevent certain birth defects. Try to have at least 6 servings a day.

Additional nutrition education is available to you if you qualify for WIC, (Women, Infants and Children). The purpose of WIC is to improve the health of participants through nutrition education, supplemental foods, and referrals to community services. To qualify for WIC you must be: pregnant, breastfeeding, or a woman with an infant less then 6 months old, or children under age 5, meet income guidelines, and have a nutritional need.

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How will I cope with the financial stresses of a new baby?

Sherburne County Social Services is available to help with concerns related to finances. If you are without health insurance, or if your insurance doesn't cover most of the cost of your health care, you can contact Social Services for information on Minnesota Health Care programs. Additional financial assistance may also be available through Social Services.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a supplemental food and nutrition education program. The purpose of WIC is to improve the health of all participants through nutrition education, supplemental foods, and referrals to community services. To qualify for WIC you must be: pregnant, breastfeeding, or a woman with an infant less then 6 months old, or children under age 5, meet income guidelines, and have a nutritional need.

Services may vary from community to community. These services may include: food shelves, emergency shelters, housing assistance, legal assistance, crisis pregnancy centers, childcare services, transportation, free or reduced cost health care, dental care, chemical dependency, mothers groups, and others. To find out what is available to you, contact our office or First Call For Help.

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When should I see a Doctor? Why is it important?

Contact your healthcare provider as soon as you think you are pregnant to schedule your first prenatal visit. This visit may include education about pregnancy and a health screening. A prenatal vitamin which includes folic acid may be recommended. Most health care providers will want to schedule regular check-ups with you during your pregnancy to follow the growth of your baby, address questions or concerns you may have, and to monitor the health of both you and your baby. Your health care provider can support you in planning and preparing for your baby.

Now is the time to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, or using street drugs. Check with your health care provider about prescription and over the counter medications. For more information on smoking cessation, contact our office.

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What is happening with my baby?

By the end of the 3rd month, your baby is 4 inches long and has developed all of the basic body structures, including arms, legs, eyes, brain, and heart. The heartbeat can be heard at 10-12 weeks. Your baby begins to move, although you will not be able to feel movement for another 1-2 months.

By the end of the 6th month, your baby is 11 to 14 inches long and weighs 1 to 1 ˝ pounds. You may feel your baby kicking strongly now.

During the 9th month, your baby gains ˝ pound each week. Most babies move into a head down position by this time. At 38-40 weeks your baby is full term and ready to be born.

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How do I cope with the changes in my body during pregnancy?

Nausea is a common discomfort of early pregnancy, mainly caused by changing hormones in your body. Many women find relief from eating small frequent meals and avoiding strong smells. In addition, foods containing ginger, vitamin B6, salty & crunchy foods, and acupressure may be helpful. Check with your healthcare provider for more suggestions.

An aching back can be another frequent concern for pregnant women. As your body's weight, shape and balance change you will notice a change in your posture. Avoid back strain - bend from the waist when lifting, move objects in close with your arms and use the large muscles in your legs to lift. Try doing pelvic tilts in the angry cat position. Pregnancy is a great time to stand tall using good posture.

Many women notice that they seem to experience more frequent headaches during pregnancy. The increased blood volume along with fatigue, tension, caffeine withdrawal, may be a cause of headaches. Rest and relaxation are often all that you may need. Check with your healthcare provider regarding the use of any medications. *Severe headaches, or headaches with visual changes, may be a sign of pregnancy induced hypertension and should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.

For additional information on coping with the many body changes that may occur during your pregnancy contact your health care provider or a good pregnancy book or web site.

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What Signs Do I Need To Be Concerned About?

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

  • Menstrual like cramps
  • Intestinal cramps, with or without diarrhea
  • Low back pain or pelvic pressure that feels different than what you are used to in this pregnancy
  • Severe headache or headache with visual changes
  • Severe swelling, especially in your face or hands
  • Vaginal bleeding, foul smelling discharge, or any suspected leak of fluid
  • Change in baby's movements
  • Any time you have a concern about the health of your baby

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Should I Take Childbirth Classes?

Yes! There is evidence that women who have information about what to expect during labor and birth have an easier birth. You and your labor support person can learn about labor, birth, and caring for yourself and baby. Check with your healthcare provider for classes in your area.

Some women choose to use the services of a doula, (professional labor support person) to help them with labor and birth as well as during postpartum and breastfeeding. To find a doula in your area, see DONA (Doulas of North America).

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After my baby is born, when will I feel "normal" again?

Most new mothers experience a variety of physical and emotional changes after the birth of a baby. Contact your health care provider if you experience any of the following:

  • Heavier than usual or foul smelling vaginal discharge, or large blood clots
  • Sore bottom that lasts more that a week
  • Pain in your abdomen that doesn't go away
  • Fever of 100 degrees or higher
  • Cesarean incision that has swelling, redness or oozing
  • Hot, painful or red area in your breast after milk has come in
  • Sore nipples that last throughout a feeding
  • Inability to sleep, eat, take care of yourself or your baby
  • Constant sadness or crying, feeling of anger or helplessness
  • Feelings that you could hurt your baby or yourself
  • Anytime you have a question

Most physical changes will end in 6-8 weeks after your baby is born, however, making the adjustment "back to normal” may take longer. It is not unusual to take months or even a year to feel like yourself again. Be patient with yourself and your baby. Support of family and friends can help you in adjusting to your new role. Additional community resources for new parents include Early Childhood Family Education (available through your local school district), parenting or moms groups, and Sherburne County Public Health Department.

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What are some tips for new parents?

  • Take care of yourself as well as your baby – rest when your baby naps, eat well and exercise or do something physical each day
  • Ask for and accept help from others
  • Seek out the company and support of other parents
  • Learn more about babies from books and parenting groups
  • Notice when you feel good about being a parent
  • Be patient with yourself and your baby – don't expect too much
  • Give yourself time. It does get easier

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