Download Introduction to Pregnancy

Your Guidebook for the Next Nine Months
In the next
nine months
you will create a whole new person. It’s
an amazing time and there’s a lot to know.
We’re here to help with some of the most
common concerns you may have during
your pregnancy—from your due date to
what to eat, how much to exercise, how to
prevent morning sickness and some of the
common discomforts that can occur during
pregnancy. The following information is
to be used as a guide only. It should never
replace advice from your physician. If
you have questions and concerns, do not
hesitate to call or visit your doctor.
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2
Baby’s
Birthday
Prenatal
Office Visits
Feeling the
Baby Kick
Most pregnancies last around 40 weeks
(or 38 weeks from conception). The best
way to calculate your due date is to count
40 weeks from the start of your last
period. This is a pretty solid target. But
remember: it’s just as normal to deliver
1–2 weeks on either side of that date.
Good prenatal care is fundamental to
making a healthy baby. We encourage
you to begin prenatal care as soon as you
find out you are pregnant. We encourage
your partner to visit with you and take
an active part in your pregnancy. This
is a special time to learn about yourself
and your baby. Don’t be afraid to ask
questions.
If this is your first pregnancy, it may be
hard to tell whether your baby has moved.
Many women describe their baby’s
movements as butterflies, bubbles or gas.
You can expect to feel your baby move for
the first time between 18 and 24 weeks.
If this isn’t your first baby, you may start
to feel movements as early as 13 weeks.
Your doctor will probably want to see you
on the following recommended schedule:
• 4–28 weeks—1 prenatal visit per month
• 28–36 weeks—1 prenatal visit every
2 weeks
• 36–40 weeks—1 prenatal visit per week
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What to Eat
Weight Gain
Eating a variety of healthy foods during
your pregnancy will provide the important
nutrients your baby needs for growth
and development. You should also begin
taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid
and omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid
(DHA). Choose foods from the following
five food groups: fruits, vegetables, lean
protein, whole grains and dairy products.
When you’re pregnant, it is generally
recommended you eat about 300 calories
more per day than usual. Pregnancy is not
the time to begin a weight loss program.
Following are the recommendations for
total pregnancy weight gain and the rate
of weight gain in the second and third
trimesters:
Total If you’re underweight <18.5 BMI
28-40 pounds
If you’re normal weight 18.5-24.9 BMI
25-35 pounds
If you’re overweight 25-29.9 BMI
15-25 pounds
If you’re obese 30 or >BMI
11-20 pounds
Rate
1 pound/week
1 pound/week
½ pound/week
½ pound/week
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What Not to Eat
Most foods are safe; however, there are
some foods that you should avoid during
pregnancy. Some contain high levels of
chemicals that can affect your baby’s
development. Some can put you at risk
for getting an infection that can hurt your
baby. Avoid eating:
• Fish high in mercury like: swordfish,
shark, king mackerel and tilefish. It
is recommended women eat no more
than 12 ounces a week (2 average
meals) of a variety of fish and
shellfish low in mercury.
• Raw fish, especially shellfish (oysters
and clams).
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How to Exercise
•
•
•
•
•
Undercooked meat, poultry, seafood
and hot dogs. Deli meats (ham,
salami and bologna) can cause food
poisoning; avoid them or reheat them
before eating.
Refrigerated pates and meat spreads.
Canned versions of these are safe.
Refrigerated smoked seafood unless
it has been cooked, as in a casserole.
Soft-scrambled eggs and all foods
made with raw or lightly cooked eggs.
Unpasteurized milk or any food made
from it including soft cheeses like
Brie, feta, Camembert, Roquefort
and Mexican-style, unless they are
labeled as made with pasteurized milk.
•
•
•
•
Unpasteurized juices.
Raw vegetable sprouts, including
alfalfa, clover and radish.
Herbal supplements and herbal teas.
Large quantities of caffeine (limit
caffeine to less than 200 mg/day).
There are many benefits to exercising
during pregnancy including helping you
prepare for labor and delivery. If you
exercise regularly, you should be able
to continue your activity in moderation.
If you don’t exercise regularly, you can
safely begin an exercise program after
consulting with your doctor. Talk with
your doctor to make sure you don’t have
any obstetric or health conditions that
would limit your activity.
For most pregnant women, at least
30 minutes of moderate exercise is
recommended on most, if not all, days of
the week. Try walking, swimming, cycling
and low-impact aerobics. Running in
moderation is safe for women who have
been running before pregnancy. Avoid
downhill skiing, water sports, contact
sports and scuba diving.
Exercise can help:
• Ease or prevent back pain,
constipation, bloating and swelling
• Boost your mood and energy levels
• Help you sleep better
• Prevent excess weight gain
• Prevent and treat gestational diabetes
• Increase stamina and muscle strength
Exercise safely:
• After the first trimester, do not lie
flat on your back.
• Avoid exercising in hot, humid weather.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Wear comfortable clothes, listen to
your body and don’t overdo it.
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No Smoking,
Alcohol or Drugs
Drugs
If you abuse drugs, you are taking a
chance with your health and the health
of your baby. Babies born to mothers
using street drugs often are born smaller
and too early. They are at higher risk of
miscarriage and stillbirth, having feeding
problems, blood circulation problems
and brain damage, as well as long-term
behavioral problems.
If you have a problem with alcohol
or drug use, please seek help before
becoming pregnant. If you are pregnant
now, seek help as soon as possible.
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Sex is Safe
Be honest and open with your doctor. If
you are pregnant and have been drinking
alcohol, using illegal substances, or if you
smoke, let your doctor know.
Smoking
The Surgeon General’s warning: “Smoking by
pregnant women may result in fetal injury,
premature birth, and low birth weight,” now
appears on cigarettes. Pregnant smokers
have a higher chance of miscarriage and
stillbirth. Babies of smoking mothers have
a higher chance of being born early and
too small. Low-birth-weight babies (less
than 5 ½ pounds) can suffer serious health
problems throughout their lives.
Alcohol
The alcohol a mother drinks is shared
with her baby. The more she drinks,
the more the baby receives, increasing
the chance of serious growth and
development problems including fetal
alcohol syndrome. Medical experts have
not been able to determine a safe amount
of alcohol. Therefore, to protect your baby
from alcohol-related danger, you should
not drink any alcohol.
In a pregnancy that is proceeding
normally, sex is safe and healthy until
shortly before the baby is born. A few
things to keep in mind include your
comfort and sex drive. Fatigue, nausea
and breast tenderness early in pregnancy
and weight gain, back pain and other
symptoms as the pregnancy progresses,
may make sex the last thing on your mind.
Spotting after intercourse may occur.
If bleeding persists, call your doctor.
If you have concerns about sex during
pregnancy because of underlying health
problems, ask your doctor whether sex
will be safe.
Help for
Common Discomforts
Morning Sickness
Generally, morning sickness or sometimes
“all day sickness” strikes in the first
trimester, from about 8 weeks until 14
weeks. The more nauseous you get, the
less you eat. The less you eat, the more
nauseous you get. The good news is in
most women, nausea stops between the
third and fourth month. Here are some
tips to help you cope:
• Keep crackers by your bed and eat a
couple 5 to 10 minutes before you
get out of bed
• When you do get up, do it slowly; sit on
the side of the bed
• Eat regular small meals (5–6 each day)
• Reduce fatty, spicy or highly
sweetened foods
• Get fresh air
See the list of safe medications in this
booklet. If your nausea or vomiting is
severe, contact your doctor.
Indigestion/Heartburn
Feeling a burning sensation in your
stomach is very common in pregnancy. It
is caused by your growing baby and by
hormonal changes that allow stomach
contents to back up into the esophagus.
To lessen your chance of heartburn:
• Eat small, regular meals
• Avoid fatty, rich or spicy foods
• Avoid lying down for at least a half
hour after meals
• If necessary, sleep propped up on
a pillow
Discuss your symptoms with your
doctor and see the list of safe
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medications in this booklet.
Frequent Urination
Hormones and the pressure your expanding
uterus is putting on your bladder can cause
you to urinate more frequently during the
first three months of your pregnancy. This
should lessen in your second trimester, only
to return late in the third trimester when
your baby’s head may press squarely on your
bladder. Pain with urination, blood in the
urine or fever may indicate infection. If you
experience any of these, contact your doctor.
Constipation
This is a very common problem during
pregnancy. Blame hormones and an
expanding uterus again. Here are some
tactics to try:
• Drink water (at least six 8 oz.
glasses/day)
• Eat foods high in fiber like fruits,
vegetables or bran cereals
• Exercise daily
Not all laxatives or stool softeners are
safe during pregnancy. See the list of safe
medications in the booklet or talk to your
doctor before taking any constipation
medication or remedy.
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Hemorrhoids
Many pregnant women experience
hemorrhoids or varicose veins in the rectum.
They are aggravated by constipation and
pressure from your growing uterus. Tips
for avoiding hemorrhoids are the same as
avoiding constipation. You may also find
relief by taking a warm bath, trying witch
hazel or ice packs, sleeping on your side or
sitting on a donut shaped pillow. See the
medication list in this booklet or talk with
your doctor if you cannot find any relief.
Swelling
During pregnancy, the body produces
approximately 50% more blood and
body fluids to meet the needs of the
developing baby. Swelling is a normal
part of pregnancy. Swelling usually occurs
in the legs, ankles and feet. Sudden
swelling, especially in the hands and face,
vision problems and severe headache
may indicate a more serious problem and
should be discussed with your doctor.
Here are some helpful hints to help you cope:
• Elevate your legs when possible
• Avoid standing for long periods
• Avoid salty foods
• Rest in bed on your side
• Wear support tights or stockings
• Drink plenty of water to flush the body
Getting Enough Sleep
During the first three months of your
pregnancy it is normal to feel very
fatigued, so allow yourself to get the rest
you need. During the last few months
of pregnancy you may find it difficult to
find a comfortable position or to stay
comfortable throughout the night. Try
experimenting with pillows to discover
a comfortable sleeping position. Some
women find that it helps to place a pillow
under their abdomen or between their
legs. Also, using a bunched-up pillow or
rolled-up blanket at the small of your back
may help to relieve some pressure. Avoid
lying flat on your back on a hard surface
for a prolonged period of time after the
first trimester.
Back Pain
Pregnancy can be tough on your back.
The most common cause of back pain
is strain on your back muscles and
weakness in your abdominal muscles.
Here are some things you can try:
• Apply heat and cold to your back, or
massage the painful area
• Wear shoes with good arch support
• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• Add a pillow to your chair for
back support
• Sleep on your side with a pillow
between your legs
• Avoid lifting heavy objects
• Wear a maternity support belt
If the pain persists, talk to your doctor; it
may indicate a more serious condition. Your
doctor can also recommend physical therapy,
special braces or medication for pain.
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Shortness of Breath
Many women experience this sensation
at about 31–34 weeks of pregnancy. As
your uterus grows it presses the digestive
organs and the diaphragm up toward the
lungs, limiting their ability to fully expand
when you take a breath. If you had mild
asthma before you were pregnant, you
may find that your asthma symptoms
worsen. Tips to relieve this uncomfortable
feeling include:
• Sit up straight to give your lungs as
much room as possible to expand
• Sleep with your upper body propped
up on pillows or in a reclining chair
• Move more slowly so your heart and
lungs do not have to work as hard
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Leg Cramps
These painful spasms can wake you from
a sound sleep and may start appearing
during the last 3 months of pregnancy. To
prevent these frustrating leg pains:
• Stretch your legs before bed
(especially your calf muscles)
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Eat 3 to 4 servings of calcium rich
foods every day
• Avoid pointing your toes when you
stretch or exercise
If a cramp strikes:
• Stretch and massage your calf muscle
• Walk and then elevate your legs
• A hot shower, warm bath or ice
massage can also help
Round Ligament Pain
Round ligament pain is a sharp pain
or jabbing feeling in the lower belly or
groin area. It is one of the most common
complaints during pregnancy and is
considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is
the result of the stretching of ligaments as
the uterus grows. Warm baths, massage,
rest, heat or slow changes in position
can help with the pain. If you experience
severe pain, fever, chills or difficulty
walking, call your doctor immediately.
Numbness and Tingling
The swelling in your body may press on
nerves, resulting in tingling and numbness
in the legs, feet and hands. The skin on
your belly may feel numb, too, because it is
so stretched out. Fortunately, the problem
usually ends after pregnancy.
your mucus plug.” This is a thick mucus
discharge sometime associated with dark
blood. This is normal and not a cause for
concern. If you experience pain, soreness
or itching in your vaginal area or if your
discharge is bloody, watery or smells bad,
contact your doctor.
Vaginal Discharge
It’s quite common to have more vaginal
discharge during pregnancy. What
you’re noticing is normal leucorrhea, the
odorless discharge that you may have
noticed in your underwear before you
were pregnant. There’s just a lot more
of it now, partly because of increased
estrogen production and greater blood
flow to the vaginal area. Closer to your
due date, it is not unusual to “lose
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds do tend to occur more often
during pregnancy. They are caused
by hormonal changes and increased
circulation to the mucous membranes. To
prevent nosebleeds:
• Drink water
• Blow your nose gently
• Keep your mouth open when you sneeze
• Humidify the air in your home
• Saline nasal sprays or drops may help
Hot Baths, Showers and Hot Tubs
It is perfectly fine to take a hot bath or
shower throughout your pregnancy as
long as the temperature isn’t over 100
degrees Fahrenheit. If you have to ease
your foot into the tub, it’s too hot. A hot
bath can damage your baby’s developing
cells, and though you can cool off by
sweating, your baby can’t. Hot tubs and
saunas should be avoided.
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Travel
As long as there are no identified
complications or concerns with your
pregnancy, it is generally safe to travel at
all times during your pregnancy. The main
concern is the chance of an unexpected
event occurring while you are out of
town. If contractions or illness should
occur while traveling, seek medical care.
Avoid long distance travel the last six to
eight weeks of your pregnancy. If your
pregnancy is considered high risk, discuss
your plans with your doctor. Tips for
travel include:
• Move around often to improve circulation
• Stay hydrated; drink plenty of fluids
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Colds, Flu, Infections
•
•
•
Wear a seat belt at all times. The lap
belt should be positioned below your
abdomen across your hips; use the
shoulder strap as well.
Carry snacks and take plenty of
bathroom breaks
Bring your prenatal records if you are
traveling a long distance
Pregnant women can be more vulnerable
to infections, such as coughs, colds, and
flu. Some illnesses will not harm your
baby; however, some infections can be
serious. You can help protect yourself and
your baby by washing your hands and not
sharing drinking glasses or utensils.
Common Cold
A virus is usually the cause of the
common cold. You can expect a cold to
last about one to two weeks. If your
symptoms persist beyond two weeks
or you experience shortness of breath
or a fever you may have a more serious
infection. Please contact your doctor.
To relieve cold symptoms you can use
Sudafed, Claritin, a neti pot and nasal
sprays. Using a humidifier in your
bedroom at night may also help.
Flu
Influenza is a contagious respiratory
illness that is also caused by a virus. If
you get the flu during pregnancy, you’re
more likely than other adults to have
serious complications. It is recommended
that all pregnant women get the flu
vaccination during flu season (October–
March). If you think you have the flu even
if you’ve been vaccinated, call your doctor
right away. He or she may be able to
prescribe an antiviral medicine to prevent
or treat the flu. Symptoms include high
fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry
cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
and muscle aches.
Fifth Disease
Fifth Disease is a common childhood
illness that’s usually pretty mild. But if
you get infected during pregnancy, it
may hurt your baby. Pregnant women
with young children and those who work
with children, like teachers and child care
providers, are at greater risk of exposure
and infection. Most unborn babies are not
harmed if their mother gets Fifth Disease.
But some babies do become infected. The
virus can make it hard for babies to make
red blood cells causing dangerous anemia,
heart failure, miscarriage and stillbirth.
Symptoms of Fifth Disease include: a rash
on the face that looks like a slapped cheek,
fever, headache, sore throat and joint pain.
If you think you have been exposed to
Fifth Disease, call your doctor right away.
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Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a viral illness that affects
children. If you develop chickenpox
during pregnancy, you are at risk of
complications such as pneumonia. For
your baby, the risks depend on the timing
and include serious birth defects. The
good news is that between 85 to 95
percent of pregnant women are immune
to chicken pox. If you’re exposed to
chickenpox during pregnancy and you’re
not immune, contact your healthcare
provider immediately.
Miscarriage
Zika
Complications
Pregnancy can be such an exciting time,
and you may not want to think about
the possibility of miscarrying. However
it is beneficial to be informed, in the
unfortunate event that you find yourself
or someone you know faced with a
miscarriage. Symptoms can include:
• Bleeding that progresses from light
to heavy
• Cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Weakness
• Back pain
Until we know more, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention
recommends special precautions for
pregnant women. Take steps to prevent
mosquito bites by:
• Using Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) registered insect
repellents with DEET or oil of lemon
eucalyptus. When used as directed,
EPA-registered repellents are proven
safe and effective, even for pregnant
and breastfeeding women.
• Remove standing water where
mosquitoes could lay eggs.
• Keeping mosquitoes out by installing
screens on all windows or making
sure all window screens are in good
repair before opening windows.
• Find more information about Zika
and pregnancy at cdc.org.
Some aches, pains and symptoms are
normal during pregnancy and some are
cause for concern.
If you experience the symptoms listed
above, contact your doctor right away.
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If you experience any of the following
symptoms, contact your doctor
immediately.
• Bleeding from the vagina or rectum
• Severe and continuous vomiting
• Your baby’s activity level declines
significantly
• Sharp or continuous pain in your
abdomen
• Your water breaks
• Fever greater than 100.4
Preparing for
Childbirth
We encourage you and your partner to
attend our Childbirth Preparation Series.
These classes are offered once a week
over a 4-week time span in two-hour
sessions. This series is perfect for firsttime parents. If you have taken childbirth
class and are looking for a refresher
course, we encourage you to take our
one-day Childbirth Preparation Workshop.
These classes provide in-depth, detailed
information covering the following areas:
• Lamaze childbirth techniques
(breathing, relaxation and massage)
• The different types of childbirth
options available
• How to become more confident about
labor, childbirth, breastfeeding and
newborn care
• Making informed decisions about
labor, childbirth, breastfeeding and
newborn care
•
•
When and how to get support
Pain management
You can find more information about
these and other helpful classes such as
Prenatal Nutrition, Prenatal Breastfeeding
Class, Newborn Care Class, Newborn
Safety Class, Daddy Training Camp and
Infant CPR Class at carepointhealth.
org./#obg-maternity-events.
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Labor
No two deliveries are alike. There is no
way to predict how your specific delivery
is going to go. However, you can know
the stages of the labor process and what
to generally expect.
Pre-Labor
As your due date approaches you may
notice that your abdomen gets hard and
then soft again. You may even find that
you are having what is referred to as
Braxton-Hicks or false labor pains. They
can occur more frequently if you are
physically active. These false labor or
pre-labor pains can last for days or weeks.
A warm bath and resting may help relieve
some of your discomfort.
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It is sometimes hard to determine if you
are in true labor. Never be embarrassed
if you react and think you are in labor.
Sometimes the difference between real
and pre-labor can only be determined by
a vaginal exam. If you feel uncomfortable
or concerned about any pre-labor or
pregnancy symptoms, it’s always best to
call your doctor.
Labor
At the beginning of labor, contractions
are usually mild and somewhat irregular,
becoming progressively stronger and
more frequent.
• You may feel lower back pain, a
feeling like menstrual cramps, and/or
pressure/tightening in the pelvic area
•
Once contractions start, keep a
record for an hour. During true
labor, the contractions last about
50–80 seconds, they occur at regular
intervals and they don’t go away
when you move around
When to call your doctor
and go to the hospital:
• Your water might break (notice
the color of the fluid, the odor and
note the time); even if you are not
experiencing contractions, it is time to
head to the hospital
• If you experience any bleeding from
the vagina
• If you are having constant, severe pain
• You don’t feel any movement from your
baby or the movements are reduced
it ës
time
to go !
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Cesarean Delivery
A cesarean birth happens through an
incision in the abdominal wall and uterus
rather than through the vagina. There
are many reasons for a cesarean delivery
including the size of the baby, placental
location, multiple births, fetal distress,
arrest of labor, some maternal medical
conditions or a history of previous
cesarean birth.
•
If you have a cesarean delivery
you can expect:
• You will be given an anesthetic—
usually an epidural that will numb
the area from the abdomen to below
the waist, so that nothing can be felt
during the procedure
•
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•
•
The doctor will make an incision in
your abdomen and uterus to deliver
your baby
This incision will usually be made
horizontally (often called a bikini cut),
just above the pubic bone
Your uterus will be closed with
stitches that later dissolve on their
own; stitches or staples will be used
to close your abdomen
After the delivery, you and your baby
will be monitored carefully in the
hospital; recovery time may be a day
or two longer than a vaginal delivery
The birth of your child
is one of the most
important moments in
your life.
You and your baby are very important to
us, and our Pampered Pregnancy program
is proud to be an integral part of more
than 3,000 births annually. We provide a
birth experience that is compassionate,
family-centered, and as unique as each of
our patients.
The Pampered Pregnancy program is
designed to assist you in making informed
decisions regarding your birth experience
and offer you a wide variety of services
and amenities that are not seen in a
traditional hospital setting, such as:
• The opportunity for private
consultations with our Pampered
Pregnancy Coach to help you navigate
and coordinate all aspects of your
pregnancy and childbirth experience
• A wide-variety of prenatal, childbirth
and postpartum classes
• Informative newsletter providing tips
on pregnancy, preparing for a new
baby, and labor/delivery
• Fully equipped labor, delivery and
recovery suites
• A family-centered maternity care
nursing model, with the same nurse
caring for you and your baby
• A special care nursery with
•
•
experienced staff and physicians to
take care of your baby’s special needs
Encouragement and support for
each family member to be actively
involved during labor, birth, postpartum, and newborn care
Newborn lullaby announcing each
new birth throughout the hospital
For more information or to register
for CarePoint’s Pampered Pregnancy
program, call us at 201-821-8819 or
contact us online at carepointhealth.
org. One of our Pampered Pregnancy
Coaches will contact you.
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Quick Guide to
Medications
Some medications are generally
considered safe to take during pregnancy.
But others are not, or their effects on
your baby may not be known. When you
meet with your doctor to confirm you’re
pregnant, ask what meds are okay to
take. Also, tell your doctor about any
alternative medicines or supplements you
take, even if the label says “natural.”
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No drug is considered 100% safe
to use during pregnancy. Check
with your doctor before taking any
medication, especially during the first
trimester.
Allergy
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Claritin (loratadine)
Cough/Congestion
(temp less than 100° F)
• Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) after
the first trimester
• Mucinex/Robitussin (guaifenesin)
• Claritin (loratadine)
• Afrin nasal spray (3 day limit)
• Saline nasal spray
Minor Aches and Headache
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Sore Throat
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Throat lozenges/spray
Constipation
• Docusate (Colace)
• Metamucil
• Senokot
• Miralax
• Konsyl
Diarrhea
• Kaopectate
• Imodium
• Clear liquids for 24 hours
Nausea
• Vitamin B6
• Unisom, ½ tablet
• Ginger capsules
Hemorrhoids
• Preparation H
• Anusol suppositories or cream
• Tucks pads
Gas/Bloating
• Gas-X (simethicone)
• Maalox/Mylanta
Heartburn
• Maalox/Mylanta
• Pepcid (famotidine)
• Zantac (ranitidine)
• Tums
Rashes
• Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• Calamine lotion
• Hydrocortisone ointment
• Aveeno oatmeal bath/lotion
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Go the Full 40
According to AWHONN (the Association of
Women’s Health, Obstetrical and Neonatal
Nurses), your baby needs at least a full 40
weeks of pregnancy to grow and develop.
Inducing labor or scheduling a c-section
even a week or two early is associated
with a host of risks. While it may seem
convenient, labor should only be induced
when it is medically indicated.
Your baby will let you know when it is
time for him or her to arrive, so whenever
it is possible, let it naturally occur! For
more information about this initiative,
go to: www.gothefull40.com.
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Obstetrical Emergency Department
CarePoint Health offers an Emergency
Department (OBED) just for pregnant
patients. In order to meet the special
needs and health concerns of our expectant
mothers, we have created emergency rooms
that specialize specifically in obstetrical care.
Our OBEDs are the first of their kind in New
Jersey! The OBEDs offer our patients greater
ease of access, less exposure to airborne
illnesses, more privacy, and better and faster
targeted care performed by a board certified
OBGYN physician.
If you think you may be in labor, or if you
are experiencing any complications or
problems, you should contact your doctor
immediately. You may also go to the hospital
for evaluation and, upon evaluation, you may
be admitted for delivery.
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Know your rights
New Jersey law and regulation states that
when a patient is seen for emergency
services, New Jersey insurance companies
are required to hold the patient harmless.
That means your insurance company
is legally obligated to only hold you
responsible for your in-network amount,
regardless of the participating status
of the hospital. CarePoint Health will
bill accordingly to hold your insurance
company to this NJ State regulation.
For more information about this state
mandate, visit: http://www.state.
nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/
managedcare/mcconsrights.htm
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If for some reason you receive any
statements that reflect an amount other
than this in-network amount, please
contact your Pampered Pregnancy
Coach or the Insurance Help Desk at
866-600-3100 and we will find out if
your insurance company has not held you
harmless or if a billing error has occurred
and if so, help resolve it for you. You may
also contact your Coach or the Insurance
Help Desk at any time with questions
about EOBs or statements you have
received or for any additional questions
or concerns you may have.
26
Christ Hospital
176 Palisade Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 795-8200
Parking Located on:
142 Palisade Avenue
Hoboken University
Medical Center
308 Willow Avenue
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 418-1000
Parking Located on:
371- 4th Street & Clinton St.