Thank you for choosing A Woman’s Place to provide your prenatal care. This is going to be an exciting 40-week journey and we’re looking forward to guiding you through it. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you are already an experienced mom, we will be here for you each step of the way.

We will work with you to provide the best possible care during your pregnancy and delivery. We will give you the information and guidance you need to take care of yourself during pregnancy and to prepare yourself for childbirth.

Before each appointment, we encourage you to make a list of questions and to bring them with you, or call us if you have questions that need immediate answers. In the meantime, browse the information below for a well-informed start to your pregnancy journey.

Our Birth Plan For You

For low-risk patients in early labor, we will allow you to walk and move around. You can drink clear liquids during labor. Your spouse/support person will remain with you at all times. We do not routinely do episiotomies. We reserve assisted vaginal deliveries (vacuum or forceps) and cesarean section for necessary situations.

Once your child is delivered, he/she will be placed on your abdomen and we will allow your spouse to cut the cord. Once the infant is dried off and has had an initial assessment by our skilled nursing staff, you will be assisted in breastfeeding. Your newborn will remain in your room for the majority of your hospital stay. You will find the labor and postpartum rooms to very comfortably accommodate your needs.

Our Obstetricians

Our obstetric patients are cared for by Drs. Clements, Heitmann, Miller, Parker, and Trandem, as well as our PA Abby Krembs. We ask that you make one of them your “primary” physician but that you meet all of them during your pregnancy.

Your Scheduled Visits

6-8 weeks (1st visit)

• Ultrasound (complimentary, to establish a viable pregnancy and confirm your due date)
• Completion of paperwork
• Physical exam (including PAP smear if due)
• Initial labs including blood type, CBC, STD testing, urinalysis
• Meeting with our financial advisors to help establish a payment plan

11-28 weeks (monthly visits)

• At each visit, you will be weighed, have your blood pressure taken and be asked to leave a urine specimen
• If you are doing the integrated screen (early genetic screening) you will have an ultrasound between 11-13 weeks
• All patients have an ultrasound around 20 weeks
• Your growing uterus will be measured
• The fetal heart rate will be listened to
• At 28 weeks, you will be screened for diabetes

28-35 weeks (visits every 2 weeks)

• At each visit, you will be weighed, have your blood pressure taken and be asked to leave a urine specimen
• Your growing uterus will be measured
• The fetal heart rate will be listened to
• At 35 weeks, a GBS swab sample will be collected

36 weeks-delivery (weekly visits)

• At each visit, you will be weighed, have your blood pressure taken and be asked to leave a urine specimen
• Your growing uterus will be measured
• The fetal heart rate will be listened to

Our Hospital

We deliver all of our patients at The Birth Place at North Collier Hospital. Anesthesia and neonatology are available 24 hours a day so we can provide you and your baby the care you deserve. We recommend that you go to the admitting office to pre-register around the time of your 28 week visit. Admitting is located just inside the entrance of the main hospital building at North Collier Hospital. Take your insurance card and driver’s license with you. This will save you time when you arrive in labor.

Epidural Anesthesia

The anesthesia department at North Collier Hospital would like the opportunity to meet with you prior to the day of your delivery. They have a short video they require you to see before they will provide you with an epidural. You can call (239) 513-7545 to arrange a time for this appointment, ideally 30-34 weeks into your pregnancy. You will need to leave a message on their voice mail system and their staff will call you back.

Choosing a Pediatrician

It is recommended that you choose a pediatrician (a physician to care for your child after delivery) prior to coming to the hospital. Most pediatricians will have a “meet & greet” appointment with you during your pregnancy. You are not required to meet them prior to the arrival of your child. The hospital staff will inform your designated physician that you have given birth and he/she will see your child during your hospital stay. If you do not choose a pediatrician or if yours does not have privileges at North Collier Hospital, one will be assigned to you for the duration of your hospital stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

For any questions that you may have, we recommend that you contact us or view our Obstetrics + Reproduction FAQs.