First Trimester (0-12 weeks)

• Attend a Healthy Pregnancy Class.
• Schedule and keep OB visits.
• Download free information by trimester here.  
• Become familiar with danger signs to watch for during pregnancy.

Second Trimester (13-27 weeks)

• Schedule and keep OB visits.
• Pre-register at your delivery hospital. Silver Stork is Methodist Healthcare's pre-registration program. Fill out and mail forms as soon as possible.
• Enroll in Childbirth Classes. A variety of classes are available to educate and prepare for childbirth and baby's first days.
• Discuss with your doctor whether or not you need a birth plan.
• Check your insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is different for everyone - check with your insurance company to find out the details of your coverage.
• Methodist Healthcare will file your hospital bill directly with your insurance company. You will receive separate bills from your other healthcare providers, your obstetric doctor, the baby's doctor and the anesthesia group.

Third Trimester (28-40 weeks)

• Find a Pediatrician.
• Check insurance coverage for baby. Ask your insurance company about when to register your new baby. Be sure your baby's doctor is part of your baby's insurance plan.
• Pick out baby's name. Birth certificate forms are filled out in the hospital. What will you name the baby? How will you spell it?
• Decide on circumcision. Circumcision (removal of the foreskin from the tip of the penis) is usually done before leaving the hospital. Check with your insurance company to be sure that circumcision is covered in your baby's insurance plan. Ask your obstetrician about circumcision and any questions you have about this procedure.
• Get a car seat. Your baby will ride home from the hospital in a rear-facing car seat securely fastened in the back seat of the car. Pick out a car seat that is appropriate for infants and meets safety regulations. Practice with your car seat before coming to the hospital. Make sure grandparents or others caring for your new baby know how to use your baby's car seat correctly. Visit Safe Kids Mid-South for more information on car seat safety.
• Call your Methodist Healthcare hospital to take a tour of the Maternity Center or take a Virtual Tour.
• Pack your hospital suitcase.
• Notify Methodist Healthcare of any insurance changes. If your insurance plan changes, please notify the Methodist Silver Stork representative.

Fourth Trimester (Birth to six weeks after birth)

• Attend Moms support group. For more information call 901.516.6907.
• Schedule your baby's pediatrician check-up.
• Schedule your check up with your OB/GYN.
• Add your baby to your insurance plan (usually within 30 days of birth) .
• Send off for the birth certificate.
• Send off for the social security card.

Taking care of business early can help make your baby's birth day less confusing and stressful.

For information on having your baby at Methodist and services available, please visit our Maternity Services section.