Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through our mission to serve, heal, lead, educate and innovate.
Whether it’s your first bundle of joy or you’re a pro, knowing what to expect when you’re expecting can often feel overwhelming. Ochsner is here for you to help make your pregnancy a rewarding and stress-free experience. Here are some resources to help guide you through the next nine months.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting at Ochsner
Getting prepared for your delivery is one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy.
At Ochsner, our team is here to help you have the best experience possible. No matter which Ochsner hospital you're delivering at, you can expect the same expert care for you and your baby. Check out our "Guide to Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery Care at Ochsner," which provides expectant parents with an overview of important information and resources.
Pregnancy Resources
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Classes
At Ochsner, a variety of prenatal classes are available. These classes cover topics such as:
- The labor and delivery experience
- Vaginal delivery versus cesarean section delivery
- Epidurals
- Postpartum care
- Safe sleep
- Car seat safety
- Sibling classes
- Breastfeeding
Classes are taught by our maternity nurses, and our breastfeeding class is led by certified lactation consultants. We also have Lamaze classes that are taught by a certified Lamaze instructor.
Classes vary by location.
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Prenatal Concerns
The following signs may be a warning that you may need medical care. Call your provider or the labor and delivery unit any time, during business hours or after hours if you experience any of the following:
- Severe headache not relieved with a dose of Tylenol
- Blurry vision or seeing spots
- Sudden swelling in your face or hands
- Sudden weight gain in only a few days
- Severe stomach pains or cramps
- Vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
- Fever greater than 100.5 degrees
- Excessive and unusual vaginal discharge
- A gush or flow of watery vaginal discharge
- Significant decrease or absence of baby’s movement (starting at 24–26 weeks)
- Preterm (less than 37 weeks): More than four contractions in an hour for two hours
- Term (greater than 37 weeks): Contractions every five minutes for two hours
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Ochsner Fitness Center
Ochsner Fitness Center has personal trainers and expert nutritionists that can help tailor your fitness to your pregnancy. Ochsner Fitness Center is one of New Orleans’ premier fitness clubs with five locations serving the greater New Orleans area – two open 24 hours a day. Ochsner Fitness Center offers more than 100 group fitness classes each week for all ages and fitness levels. Ask about our Medical Fitness Program, a personalized health and fitness program designed with your specific needs in mind. Ochsner Fitness Center also has industry leading exercise equipment and several indoor and outdoor pools. Get more information about Ochsner Fitness Center.
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Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness
Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness offers prenatal vitamins for only $10.99 for a two-month supply. The pharmacy also has over-the-counter medications for nausea, morning sickness and sleep aids. Our convenient Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness locations accept most major insurance plans, and our specially trained team can also provide immunizations at your convenience. Manage your prescriptions in the palm of your hand with our OchsnerRx app. To learn more, visit ochsnerpharmacy.org. Ochsner Pharmacy & Wellness also offers home delivery, which can be accessed via the OchsnerRx app.
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A-Z Pregnancy Guide
This guide offers information on what you and your family can expect throughout your pregnancy.
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The Stork Report
The path towards welcoming your little one is filled with both countless joys and questions. Treasure the special moments and get tips for navigating your pregnancy every day with Alexa. Learn More.
Education and information to help you feel prepared throughout your pregnancy.
Learn more about the first trimester!
Get ready for the second trimester!
Alternative Birthing Options
Alternative birthing options are available at Ochsner Baptist and Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge Family Birthing Center. As you prepare to welcome your baby into the world, there are so many things to consider. For your comfort and peace of mind, we invite you to personalize every aspect of your birth plan. Explore your options when it comes to pain relief, delivery methods, breastfeeding and newborn care. You can also choose what and who will ease any concerns and give you confidence on that special day.
Ochsner family birthing centers offer the highest levels of medical care for both you and your baby and a variety of personalized options designed to meet your labor and delivery needs, goals and expectations. Some of our locations offer choices like water births, wireless monitoring so you can walk during labor, lactation assistance from award-winning consultants and Certified Nurse Midwives.
Design Your Birth Plan
Having a birth plan helps your birthing team understand what your wishes are and can act as a playbook for when things get hectic. Plan ahead with this checklist to help ensure smooth sailing on the big day.
Here, we offer a simple checklist to get you started. Talk it over with your partner and medical team. But remember that saying about best laid plans and understand you may need to improvise day-of in order to get what you came for: the safe delivery of a healthy baby. To learn more about labor pain management options like utilizing nitrous oxide, talk with your care team.
