Pregnancy and birth resources

You’re eating for two now, and one of the best gifts you can give your baby is eating a healthy diet while you’re pregnant. At the same time, your body’s nutritional needs are also changing. Your provider and our registered dietitians will help you create meal plans based on a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Learn more about what to eat and what not to eat during your pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels. This happens when pregnancy hormones prevent the body from using insulin effectively, a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin’s role is to sweep glucose (blood sugar) into your cells. Without the right amount of insulin, blood sugar builds up in the blood. While most women show no symptoms, some may experience increased thirst, frequent urination and fatigue. Gestational diabetes is usually diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks through a glucose challenge test. Treatment involves healthy eating, regular physical activity and blood sugar monitoring, though medication may be necessary in some cases.

If diagnosed, work closely with your healthcare provider to learn about meal planning and blood glucose monitoring. They may refer you to one of our registered dietitians (RD) for additional support.

Learn more about gestational diabetes

If you’ve been feeling the aches and pains of pregnancy, physical therapy can help.

Therapy builds strength, relieves pain and improves your mobility and posture. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help with vaginal birth and aid in postpartum recovery.

Physical therapy can also be used to treat the following conditions:

• Sciatica and low back and neck pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Incontinence
• Pelvic pain
• Varicose veins
• Leg and foot pathologies
• Decreased energy level
• Rehabilitation after C-section

Physical therapy treatments include:

• Biofeedback
• Manual therapy for pain relief and muscle reeducation
• Strain/counterstrain
• Education in body mechanics and muscle energy to reduce pain and promote alignment
• Core strengthening

To learn more, visit Sentara Rehabilitation and Therapy

If you’re planning to breastfeed your baby, we want to support you every way we can. We offer a number of resources to help you as you embark on this miraculous journey. While breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed your baby, it is also a learning experience for you and your newborn.

We understand that there can be challenges, and we want to provide you with the confidence, knowledge and support to help you succeed. In some cases, breastfeeding may not be an option or supplementation may be necessary. We’re here to support you through those situations as well.

Many of our locations have international board-certified lactation consultants on staff and offer in-hospital and outpatient appointments. Breastfeeding classes are also available. For more information, see the links below.

Visit locations

View classes

Download breastfeeding guide

The postpartum period in a new mom’s life is also referred to as the “fourth trimester.” Providers today recognize that the months following the birth of a baby can weigh heavily on new moms, both mentally and physically. Adjusting to their new roles, whether they are first-time moms or caring for a newborn with other children in the house, can feel stressful, anxious and exhausting. That’s why we talk to women well before the delivery about what to expect afterward and follow up with them after the birth.

Besides tuning into emotional changes after a new baby is born, our providers also guide new moms through their physical recovery after delivery. Many also are navigating breastfeeding, which can be especially challenging for first-time moms. We offer breastfeeding support groups at many of our hospitals that connect moms who find comfort in sharing common experiences. They are also able to get advice from a lactation consultant at the support groups or set up appointments with them for one-on-one assistance.

Learn more about postpartum mental health, and what to watch out for with your postpartum physical health.