I'm Expecting a Baby

Whether you are thinking about having a baby, have a positive pregnancy test or are in need of specialized pregnancy care, Dean’s Ob/Gyn doctors specialize in caring for you and your baby during this special time of life.

Important Information

We are often asked the following questions by those expecting a baby.

• I just found out I’m pregnant. Is there anything I should do now, before my first appointment?
  If you’re not already, you should begin taking in 400 mcg (micrograms) of folic acid each day. This helps reduce your risk of having a baby with birth defects, such as spina bifida. You can take a daily folic acid pill or eat foods rich in folic acid, such as avocados, black beans and asparagus. We also recommend that you begin taking daily prenatal vitamins as soon as you learn you’re pregnant.
• How do I choose an Ob/Gyn doctor?
  If you don’t have a doctor yet, we encourage you to use our online provider directory. There, you can search by city, clinic and other options.
• When should I schedule my first appointment?
  When you learn you’re pregnant, you’ll want to call Ob/Gyn to schedule your first visit. Most patients are seen around 10 weeks, although some patients with high-risk conditions are seen earlier than this. A Dean team member will contact you before the doctor visit to go over your medical history, risk assessment and educational information.
• How do I schedule an appointment?
  In the Madison area, call (608) 294-6246. In the Janesville area, call (608) 755-3532. For other locations, please use our online provider directory to find the doctor’s appointment number.
• How can I calculate my due date?
  A pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period. Use the calculator at right for an estimated due date. We’ll help pinpoint your true due date during future doctor visits.
• How do I sign up for classes?
  St. Mary’s Hospital offers birthing classes to expectant parents. Learn more in our Classes section.
• Where will I deliver?
  Our Madison doctors deliver babies at St. Mary’s Hospital, where natural labor is supported and respected, but high-risk help is a step away if needed.  Our obstetricians are in-house while you labor, as are our anesthesiologists and neonatologists (Intensive Care Nursery doctors).  This level of support is unique in the region.  St. Mary’s Hospital offers a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery.
• What will happen if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
  If you or your baby have health issues that need to be closely managed, you may be transferred to the care of Dean Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Your physician will work with you to determine what is best for you and your baby.

Our doctors outside of Madison work out of their community hospitals, but have a direct link to Dean Clinic’s Janesville and Madison doctors. They transfer expectant mothers and babies with intensive-care needs to St. Mary’s Hospital if needed.