Maternity Clinic

Prenatal care starts with you . . . and the Nash County Health Department

Prenatal Care

The Nash County Health Department provides regular prenatal care for pregnant residents. This service includes regular checkups, screening for specific pregnancy-related problems, and referral for problems like high blood pressure or diabetes. Our goal is to assist residents in having healthy babies.

Pregnancy testing and counseling are available at Nash County Health Department. To ensure that you have the very best chances for a healthier pregnancy and a healthy baby, you should begin prenatal care as early as possible. If you think you might be pregnant, call for an appointment today!


Clinic Visits

During the first prenatal visit:

• a nurse completes a medical history
• a clinician performs an exam including: breast exam, pelvic exam, pap smear, and chlamydia and gonorrhea tests
• lab work will be performed, including blood and urine tests
• a staff person from the Baby Love Program provides support and helps locate needed resources or services
• the WIC staff offers nutrition counseling and food coupons to help qualifying clients buy healthy foods for mom and baby

During other monthly prenatal visits:

• a nurse updates the medical history to make sure that no problems have arisen and, she measures the womb to see how the baby is growing
• Baby Love staff continues to assist in locating needed services

Throughout the pregnancy, various screening tests are performed to check on Mom and baby's health.

Health Education

Childbirth and Parenting classes are provided as a part of the medical package. These classes help prepare parents for the unique experiences that accompany pregnancy and parenthood.
A Dietitian is available to counsel women with diet related health issues like diabetes, or low iron.
Pregnancy Trouble Signs:

• bright red vaginal bleeding
• sudden gush or slow leak of water from the birth canal
• sharp pains in the abdomen or side which do not go away
• dim or blurred vision/spots before eyes
• bad headaches/dizziness or fainting
• chills and fever
• pain when passing urine
• unusual swelling of face and body

Call the Health Department if you have problems or questions. Our hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday in both the Nashville and Rocky Mount offices. If we are not open, go to the emergency room.
Some Tips for Coping With:

• Constipation
  • eat plenty of raw vegetables, fruits and whole grain foods to prevent constipation
  • drink 8 - 10 glasses of water daily
• Leg Cramps
  • get 3 to 4 servings of calcium foods (dairy products) every day
  • elevate your legs several times a day and/or place a heating pad on cramping area
  • wear support hose to prevent cramps from occurring
• Heartburn
  • Avoid greasy, spicy foods
  • prop your shoulders on a pillow when you lie down
  • eat 5 or 6 small meals each day instead of 3 large ones
• Backache
  • wear comfortable shoes
  • prop your feet up when you are sitting
  • lie on your side
• Shortness of breath
  • Avoid lying flat on your back
  • Raise your arms over your head

Payment for Services:

• Prenatal Clinic Fees are determined by family income
• Medicaid is accepted as payment for services
• Clients who use Medicaid should bring the Medicaid card at each visit

Nash County Health Department
Nashville Office
214 S. Barnes St.
PO Box 849
Nashville, NC 27856
(252) 459-9819

or

Rocky Mount office
322 S. Franklin St.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 446-0027