Preparing for Baby
In the nine months as you get ready to welcome your little one, your life fills with anticipation, excitement and many new experiences. Trust your maternity care to the experts at Pella Regional Health Center, so you can relax and be well prepared for this special event. You will know what to expect in the first, second, and third trimesters to help you prepare for the arrival of your little one.
What to Expect in the First Trimester
The first trimester is from 0 to 12 weeks. This is the beginning of your pregnancy and is a very important time for its development. You may feel more tired, and will see some physical and emotional changes. You can also get started with the medical and maternity care that is available for you and your baby. Here is more information on what to expect in the first trimester.
What to Expect in the Second Trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is from week 13 through week 27 (months 4 through 6). The second trimester is usually a time when you feel your best. Morning sickness may have lessened or quit completely, you may have more energy, and you may have an increase in appetite. The second trimester is also a time when the baby grows quickly. You will likely begin to feel the baby move more frequently between 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy. Here is more information on what to expect in the second trimester.
What to Expect in the Third Trimester
The third trimester of pregnancy is from week 28 through week 40. The end of pregnancy may bring feelings of excitement, nervousness and discomfort. Your baby is growing and gaining weight, and so are you. Your growing baby may crowd your midsection, making it hard to breathe deeply or get comfortable while sleeping. Here is more information on what to expect in the third trimester.
Tour Our Family Birthing Center Virtually
Feel more comfortable when you deliver your baby by taking a virtual tour of the Family Birthing Center at Pella Regional Health Center. You’ll see our labor and delivery suites, nursery, and mother/baby care areas. You’ll also meet some of the staff who will take care of you and your newborn during your stay.
Arrange your virtual prenatal tour by calling 641-628-6613. If you attend one of our prenatal classes, you’ll automatically get a tour.
Birth and Beyond (classroom & online options)
As expectant parents, you’ll learn to understand and recognize the signs and stages of labor, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques to prepare you for labor and delivery. You’ll also discover the options for potential medical interventions, medications and more.
Register for a Prenatal Class
Sibling Class
Help your baby’s siblings-to-be welcome the newest member of the family with what they’ll learn in this helpful class. Children at least two-and-a-half years old are eligible to attend with their parents. Participants visit the Family Birthing Center, watch a video on sibling rivalry and practice holding a baby. Brothers-to-be and sisters-to-be will get their pictures taken for placement in the baby’s bassinet after birth.
Register for a Sibling Class
Breastfeeding Class
Our certified lactation consultant facilitates this class to provide you, as a new mom, with information about successfully breastfeeding your infant. You’ll learn basic breastfeeding positions, latch-on techniques, signs your baby is getting enough milk, ways dads-to-be can support new breastfeeding moms and more.
Register for a Breastfeeding Class
Baby Finance 101
New parents have increased financial responsibility in addition to caring for their newborn. Learn the basics of creating financial security for your expanding family through budgeting, college funding options, life and disability insurance, group benefits and retirement planning tools.
Register for a Baby Finance 101 class
