Wellstar "I Gave Birth"
Support Program
Warning Signs
If you are pregnant or have recently given birth and experience symptoms that concern you or notice any of the following warning signs, call your healthcare provider right away.- High blood pressure or headache, heart palpitations or seizures
- Edema: sudden swelling in hands or feet
- Abnormal breathing or vision
- Right side pain in stomach or chest
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
In case of emergency, always have your list of emergency contacts, including:
- Provider’s name and phone number
- Hospital where you will/did give birth
- Emergency names and numbers for family members
Taking Your Blood Pressure
- Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure and empty your bladder
- Sit quietly with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor for 5 min
- Use a cuff that wraps around your upper arm comfortably, about 2-3 cm above the elbow
- Have your arm resting on a table at heart level
- Write down your blood pressure
- If your blood pressure is higher than usual, repeat in the same position in 5 min. If it remains elevated, consult your healthcare provider
I Gave Birth
While most women recover from childbirth without any issues, postpartum complications can happen to anyone. According to the CDC, two out of three pregnancy related deaths were determined to be preventable and Georgia averages almost 34 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Our Women’s Health team is committed to reducing maternal mortality and has implemented the “I Gave Birth” initiative. Through this initiative, expectant women receiving care from a Wellstar Medical Group provider, and women delivering at a Wellstar birthing medical center, will receive a bracelet that may be worn during pregnancy and up to 16 weeks postpartum. This bracelet will not only serve as a visual sign to healthcare providers that you are pregnant or have recently given birth and may require specific care, but when the QR code on the bracelet is scanned, it will direct you to this webpage where you can access post-birth warning signs that women need to be aware of. The “I Gave Birth” initiative will be available at all Wellstar birthing hospitals, including:- Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
- Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
- Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center
- Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
- Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
- Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Heart Health and Pregnancy
Did you know that taking care of your heart is super important when you’re pregnant or just had a baby? Your heart works extra hard during this special time. There are certain factors that increase your risk for heart-related diseases:
- Maternal age (35+)
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure & protein in urine)
- Black or African American
- Obese or overweight
- Gestational diabetes (type of diabetes during pregnancy)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or previously smoked
- Previous preterm birth (born before 36 weeks)
- Multiple births
Heart-Healthy Behaviors for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet (including protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy)
Actions to Take
- Attend all prenatal visits to have yourself and your baby checked: labs, urine tests, vital signs, weight checks and other screenings.
- Get plenty of rest! Make sure you’re getting an appropriate amount of sleep every night and take naps when needed.
- Take your prenatal vitamins and other prescription medications as directed by your healthcare provider. Ask your provider if a low-dose aspirin is right for you.
- Exercise for 30 minutes per day, or as directed by your provider.
- Avoid harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol and limit caffeine intake.
- Track your weight and blood pressure. If you had high blood pressure before you were pregnant, be sure to tell your health care provider at your first appointment.