HF 8220

You're Having a Baby

Congratulations! Welcome to our clinic. We are looking forward to caring for you during your pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to a member of your care team.

Clinic Visits

At your first prenatal visit, we will review your health history. You may have an exam and an ultrasound to check the fetus and confirm your estimated due date. At future visits, we will check your

  • weight

  • blood pressure

  • fetal heart tones

  • uterine growth

You will come to the clinic monthly until 32 weeks of pregnancy. You will come to the clinic more often as you near the end of your pregnancy.

Routine Testing

We may offer you tests to ensure the health of you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. These may include genetic tests or screens. Our staff will explain each test or screen in detail.

Delivering Your Baby

Our providers are assigned to be on call at the hospital. The provider on call is in charge of all births and emergencies during their shift.

Residents and Students

Our clinics and hospitals have male and female residents and medical students who will be involved in your care. Their work is always supervised by a faculty member.

Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Prenatal Vitamin/Folic Acid: We suggest you take one prenatal vitamin a day. Most over the counter prenatal vitamins will work. Call the clinic if you have questions.

Constipation: Increase fiber in your diet by eating foods containing whole grains, fruits with skins and raw vegetables. Drink at least eight (8 oz.) glasses of water per day. You may use Metamucil or Citrucel to help promote good bowel function.

Heartburn: We suggest small, frequent meals, drinking small amounts of ginger ale or milk and/or eating bland crackers. Avoid spicy or irritating foods. Do not lie down right after meals.

Nausea: Morning sickness is common in early pregnancy. Avoid things that cause nausea and eat small frequent meals. Separate liquids and solids. A light snack of crackers (or other dry food) and plenty of rest will help. Morning sickness often goes away after the first three or four months.

Sex: In most cases, sex is fine during pregnancy. Talk to your provider about any concerns. Your interest in sex can change during pregnancy. This may be caused by:

  • Fatigue

  • Hormones

  • Changing body shape

Vaginal discharge: You may have an increase in vaginal discharge. If you have itching, odor, or other concerns, check with your doctor. Your provider can make sure you don’t have an infection.

Dental hygiene: We suggest you have regular dental checkups. Local numbing medicines (i.e. Novocaine) are safe.

Travel: Most travel is safe in the first two trimesters. Talk to your provider about any travel planned for the third trimester or if you will be traveling outside of the US. For long trips, stretch your legs and move every hour. Request copies of your prenatal record to take with you. Check with your insurance company about coverage for emergencies.

Exercise: It should be safe and healthy to continue your normal exercise routine. Avoid contact sports that could injure your belly.

Things to Avoid During Pregnancy

  • Avoid inhaling strong fumes, tobacco smoke or handling chemicals without protection.

  • Do not drink alcohol.

  • Avoid children or adults with infectious diseases. Call your provider if exposed.

  • Hot tubs and saunas are not recommended during pregnancy.

  • If you live with a cat, avoid cleaning the litter box (or wear gloves) to avoid possible toxoplasmosis parasite.

  • Eat meats well cooked. Avoid raw or rare meats as well as lunch meats as they can carry listeria.

  • Avoid fish high in mercury (shark, tilefish, swordfish and king mackerel). Up to 12 ounces per week of other fish (or 6 ounces of canned albacore) is safe.

When to Call

Call right away if you have:

  • A serious accident or illness

  • Questions about possible labor

  • Vaginal bleeding at any time during the pregnancy

  • Severe nausea or vomiting for more than 24 hours

  • Chills or fever over 101°F

  • Pain or burning when you urinate

  • Severe or continuous belly pain

  • Fluid leaking from the vagina

  • Contractions (more than four per hour) before 36 weeks

  • Decrease of fetal movement (less than ten fetal movements in two hours) after 28 weeks

Who to Call

20 S. Park St. Clinic*
20 S. Park St., Suite 307
20 S. Park St., Suite 506
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 287-2830

Ob-Gyn Resident Physician Clinic
20 S. Park St.
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 287-2830

Union Corners Clinic*
2402 Winnebago St.
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 242-6840

West Clinic*
451 Junction Rd.
Madison, WI 53717
(608) 265-7601

*Location includes Midwifery Clinic

For a complete list of our providers and clinics, please visit uwhealth.org.