The best time to begin prenatal care is as soon as you know you are pregnant. When you have the results of a positive pregnancy test, call for an appointment. If you do not know where to get a pregnancy test, call the ECHD for information.

At your first appointment you will see:

1. A Social Worker.
The social worker will talk about what you need to do to have a healthy baby. The social worker will also talk to you about the effects of smoking, alcohol, and street drugs on your baby. An outreach team is also part of the ECHD staff.

Click here to go to our Social Services page.

2. A Nurse.
At the first visit, the prenatal nurse will take a detailed history, listen to the baby's heartbeat, check your weight and blood pressure, and test your urine.

3. Medicaid Outreach services will be provided to assist you to determine eligibility and complete an application for Healthy Start medical coverage through Lorain County Job & Family Services.

Throughout your pregnancy:

You will meet with the Dietitian.
The dietitian will help you to eat the right foods so that your baby is healthy. She will also talk to you about feeding your baby. If you are going to bottle-feed, she will help you learn to prepare formula.
Our Certified Lactation Consultant provides education and consultation if you are planning to breastfeed your baby.

Case Management: For those who qualify, case management services are available. These services combine professional knowledge with a personal touch to help you "pull together" all of the pieces for a healthy and informed pregnancy.

Your case manager can provide:

- Education about what to expect during pregnancy, delivery and how to care for yourself and your baby
- Answers to questions that you may have
- Assistance in scheduling and coordination of appointments
- Assistance to access many other programs/services according to your needs

Obstetric care is provided in collaboration with a group of certified nurse midwives in private practice.

Post-Partum Visit

Your final visit will take place about six weeks after your baby is born. The midwife will examine you and and answer any questions you may have. Information and appropriate referrals will be provided for you and your new baby.

Folic Acid Information

Women of childbearing age should ensure that their diets or vitamins include enough folic acid. Folic acid has been shown to decrease the likelihood of certain brain and spinal birth defects. Click HERE for more information on folic acid.

Please Note: The prenatal services division is located at 508 E. Broad St. in Elyria (just east of the intersection of E. Broad St and Prospect Ave.)