We deliver miracles every day. With two convenient locations, at White County Medical Center and Harris Medical Center, our New Life Centers provide state-of-the-art care to moms and newborns, so families don't have to travel far outside their communities for a safe birthing experience.
Travel & pregnancy: True or false?
Are you expecting a baby and planning a trip? It's OK for most healthy women to travel during pregnancy. However, it's a good idea to go over your plans with your healthcare provider—especially if you're going to be traveling far from home. In the meantime, test your knowledge about traveling while pregnant.
True or false: The best time to travel during pregnancy is the 1st trimester.
False. For many women, the best time to travel is in the 2nd trimester. One reason: Most common emergencies occur during either the 1st or 3rd trimester. Also, morning sickness tends to lessen during the 2nd trimester. And traveling could be too uncomfortable in the 3rd trimester.
True or false: Many airlines won't let pregnant women fly in the last weeks of their pregnancy.
True. Some domestic airlines have restrictions on flight after the 36th week of pregnancy. International airlines might use an even earlier cut-off date. Call your airline ahead of time to find out about its policy and whether you need to bring any medical information with you.
True or false: If you travel by air, you should always wear your seat belt, whether the light is on or not.
True. Wearing a seat belt whenever you're sitting on a plane can keep you from getting tossed about during turbulence. Settle the belt low on the hip bones, underneath your belly.
True or false: If you're going on a cruise, the only health problem to worry about is sea sickness.
False. Noroviruses—which can spread quickly on a cruise ship—are also a concern. Noroviruses are extremely contagious and cause severe nausea and vomiting. Also, ask about your cruise line's travel policy for pregnant women—most restrict travel after 28 weeks of pregnancy.
True or false: No matter how you're traveling, you shouldn't sit for long periods of time.
True. Being pregnant and inactive for long stretches of time can increase your risk for blood clots in your legs. You can lower the risk by standing up and moving often. You might also want to ask your provider if you should wear support hose to help prevent blood clots.
Find out what kind of medical care will be available at your destination. You may want to get a recommendation for a healthcare provider in the area in case you experience any problems. If you're traveling out of the country, you can find a doctor through the medical directory at the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.
Learn to spot pregnancy problems
Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; March of Dimes
Discover more about how we care for you and your precious bundle of joy.
State-of-the-art birthing suites
We want all moms to have the most comfortable birthing experience possible. The New Life Center has the latest in fetal monitoring, including wireless fetal monitoring capabilities, so you can get up and walk around before the baby arrives.
To ensure that you have everything you need, our birthing suites are equipped with a:
- Birthing bed
- Recliner
- Rocking chair
- Sleeper-bed sofa for support partners
We also offer some Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum rooms, which feature their own private bathrooms and showers.
An experienced staff dedicated to your care
We have one of the finest maternity teams in the region. Our highly skilled physicians and nurses are trained to perform both vaginal and C-section deliveries.
And because we know this is a special experience for your growing family, our staff will do its utmost to follow your unique birth plan. After your baby is born, we're here to help you recover and master breastfeeding.
Our highly trained staff includes:
- Board-certified OB/GYN physicians
- A board-certified family practice physician
- An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) at White County Medical Center
- Certified lactation counselors
Childbirth preparation classes for the whole family
You and your family are invited to attend any of our childbirth education classes both before and after delivery.
Both White County Medical Center and Harris Medical Center offer prepared childbirth classes.
Additional classes such as breastfeeding, sibling, and infant CPR/safety classes, as well as instruction in prenatal yoga, are offered at White County Medical Center. These classes are taught by our experienced nurses and are offered year-round.
Take a tour of our facilities
We encourage you to take a tour of our locations and get your questions answered. Please call us at 501.380.1260 to tour White County Medical Center and 870.523.8911 to tour Harris Medical Center.