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 (440/ 329-7689).

At your first appointment you will see:

1. 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.

2. 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:

A dietitian will be available for consultation.  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.

Prenatal Case Management Services  

The Elyria City Health District offers services to expectant women and families through case management services available at no cost to any pregnant woman in Lorain County who meets needs-based criteria, regardless of insurance status or where she receives medical care. These services provide personal nursing support, advice and assistance to pregnant women.

In addition, we work in a collaborative agreement with a private practice of nurse midwives who provide obstetrical and gynecological care to many of our clients. We can assist you in obtaining care through this practice or any other provider of your choice, based upon your insurance status.

What is case management?

Prenatal case management is a program designed to help the expectant mother and her family throughout pregnancy. Our goal is to help you receive early and regular prenatal care, receive the support and information you need to make choices for yourself and your baby, and to help you find and access resources to meet your needs during this time of change in your life.

How can case management help me?

A public health nurse will be assigned to partner with you throughout your pregnancy. She will stay in contact with you by phone or may meet with you in your home or accompany you to medical visits if you prefer. You may contact her to ask the questions you need to one-on-one with a nurse you're familiar with. She can also help you connect with other services that may provide help to answer your needs.

We can help with:

1.      Answering questions about normal changes and problems during pregnancy

2.      Scheduling of appointments

3.      Finding places to go for help with housing, jobs, food, school and baby supplies

4.      Finding a medical provider and making application for insurance coverage

5.      Assisting you to set goals for yourself & your baby's future.

To apply for case management services:

Contact us 440-329-7689 and ask for prenatal case management assistance.

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.)