Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
Baby on Board? Congratulations!
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.
Are You Scheduled for a C-Section?
Pregnancy Resources
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
- 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.
Prenatal Concerns
The following signs may be a warning that you may need medical care. Call your provider or the labor and delivery unit after hours, on weekends or on holidays 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
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.
Ochsner Fitness Center offers 20% off massages to all new moms and expecting mothers. Call 504-733-1600 and ask for the New Mom discount on your next massage.
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.
A-Z Pregnancy Guide
This guide offers information on what you and your family can expect throughout your pregnancy.
To Your Health newsletters
Learn the latest women's health and pregnancy tips, postpartum care and parenting advice from Ochsner's experts. Ochsner's newsletters are your source for health and wellness information. Subscribe to our Parenting and Women's Health newsletters.
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.
Learn more about alternative birthing options.
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.
Download the printable birth plan checklist.
Obstetrics Emergency Department at Ochsner Baptist
The Obstetrics Emergency Department is only available at Ochsner Baptist. For emergency OB Care outside of the uptown area, visit your closest Ochsner Emergency Room. Our Obstetrics Emergency Department can reduce your wait time, provide higher quality of care, and allow greater safety for you and your baby.
The Obstetrics Emergency Department at Ochsner Baptist gives emergency care for patients greater than 20 weeks pregnant. Our patients are assessed and cared for by board-certified OB/GYN physicians, specialized labor and delivery nurses and obstetrical residents.
Some of the commonly treated conditions seen in the Obstetrics Emergency Department are:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Leaking of fluid
- Contractions every 5 minutes
- Elevated blood pressure
- Decreased fetal movement
- Headache and/or blurry vision
An insurance emergency room visit co-payment may apply for visits to the Obstetrics Emergency Department.
For more information, please contact the Ochsner Baptist Obstetrics Emergency Department at 504-842-7631.
