How Can a Pregnancy App Help You?

Being pregnant for the first time can be a whirlwind of emotions. It’s perfectly normal to be anxious, worried, frightened and excited all at the same time. After all, this is a new experience.

HCA Midwest Health offers a free app, Childbirth101, that can help you through every stage of pregnancy, birth and beyond. The app walks through a baby’s development each week in synch with your pregnancy—letting you know what happens at each stage. You can even watch an animation to see what your little one might look like if you really could see inside your belly.

The app can also help you keep track of your doctor appointments, weight, contractions and even baby kicks. The journal feature is a great place to save photos and notes throughout your pregnancy. Tracking all of this information can help you talk about any milestones and concerns with your doctors and ease your worries.

The app also provides easy to access information about each of our birthing hospitals (Centerpoint Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center and Research Medical Center), a customizable packing list with suggested items and a contraction timer so you know when its time to get going.

There’s plenty more to use in the app after your newborn is home. Childbirth101 provides easy access to the information parents need to have on hand, including:

• Immunization list and tracker – See all the shots your baby will need, when they should be receiving them, a short explanation of what each is for and a quick way to keep track of what has been done and what is still needed
• Growth log – Track your baby’s length, weight and head circumference over time.
• Feeding log – Always know when the baby last ate (and how much). This is a great tool for helping keep your baby’s schedule on track even while others share in providing care.

Aside from their obvious benefit to exhausted parents, these tools can also help your child’s pediatrician. Especially in the first few months, your doctor will need a lot of information to assess your baby’s progress. Share what you’ve logged on office visits to make sure you remember everything accurately.

Your first pregnancy is the start of a new life, which can be overwhelming at times. Try not to worry too much. Listen to your doctors and your gut. You will be surprised how your motherly instincts will kick in. The Childhood 101 app can offer tools and information to make this time just a little bit easier.

Want tips from the labor and delivery experts at HCA Midwest Health? Learn more about how we can help you and your baby have a happy, healthy start and sign up to receive information right to your inbox.