Pregnancy (Prenatal) Care

During your pregnancy, you will probably see your doctor or midwife more often than before. Below is what routine pregnancy care may look like. Please note, your care will be customized to your care needs. 

Initial OB visit:  The first prenatal appointment is usually when you are 12 weeks pregnant. The timing and focus of prenatal visits will be designed to meet your specific care needs.

Second trimester (Months 4 to 6, Weeks 14 to 26):  During this trimester, you are likely to see your health care provider every month. At these visits you will be offered some screenings and tests, and possibly an ultrasound.

Third trimester (Months 7 to 9, Weeks 27 to 40+):  You will probably see your health care provider every other week until 38 weeks. After that you are likely to have weekly visits.

After childbirth/delivery (postpartum visit):  You will have a routine check-up appointment in the clinic approximately six weeks after you have delivered your baby.

Family-focused environments for delivering your baby. 

Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area: 

• The Mother Baby Centers of Allina Health and Children’s Minnesota: Minneapolis, St. Paul and Coon Rapids, MN
  -Water birth is offered only at Minneapolis and St. Paul centers.

Greater Minnesota and Wisconsin

• Buffalo Hospital:  Buffalo, MN
• Cambridge Medical Center:  Cambridge, MN
• District One Hospital:  Faribault, MN
• New Ulm Medical Center: New Ulm, MN
• Owatonna Hospital:  Owatonna, MN
• Regina Hospital:  Hastings, MN
• River Falls Area Hospital:  River Falls, WI
• St. Francis Regional Medical Center:  Shakopee, MN  (water birth offered)

Water birth: Is it right for you?

During a water birth, the mother gives birth in water in a special birthing tub and may also spend part of her labor in the tub. Water birth deliveries occur in a caring environment and are supported by an experienced team that is specially trained in water births. Many women experience increased comfort and relaxation; more efficient contractions; and reduced stress-related hormones. For the baby, a water birth may ease the stress of the birth and bring greater reassurance and a sense of security. 

Women considering a water birth must meet certain health criteria. If you're interested in a water birth, please talk with your pregnancy care/health care provider before your delivery. 

Classes:  pregnancy/childbirth/parenting and newborn care 

For The Mother Baby Centers of Allina Health and Children's Minnesota (all locations) and St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Allina Health partners with Amma Parenting Center for classes (starting Sept. 1, 2018). Visit Amma Parenting Center's website for classes descriptions, dates/times, locations, fees and registration. ​

For all other Allina Health birth centers, visit our "Find Classes/Events" page for classes.

Support groups:  Are you looking to connect with other moms?

Circle of Moms:  All women who are pregnant or postpartum are welcome. The group offers a safe and welcoming space to talk about pregnancy; postpartum care; breastfeeding, stressors; change in identity/role and the importance of sleep and self-care.

CALM Moms:  Having a baby that is in the hospital is overwhelming, therefore moms in the NICU/ICC/SCN/CVCC are invited to this skills-based group.

Baby Café:  Baby Café is family-friendly, drop-in breastfeeding support group that offers tips to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. You can visit with an international board-certified lactation consultant and other mothers. Baby Café has four locations and is free to participants.