- Mercy Women and Infants' Center Overview
- Planning for Pregnancy
- Choosing a Mercy Hospital
- Mercy West Lakes
- Birthing Unit
- Mother/Baby Unit
- Getting Ready for Baby
- Childbirth Education Classes and Tours
- Mercy Lactation Consultants & Information
- Little Miracles Lactation Boutique
- Pregnancy Health Center
- Patient Stories
- Special-care Services
- Web Nursery
- Maternity Triage and Treatment Unit
- Perinatal Center of Iowa
- Variety Club Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Mercy Stork Affair
Deciding to start a family is a big step, and one that involves some planning. If you're thinking about getting pregnant soon or sometime in the future, it's important to start making healthy choices now. Having a healthy baby someday begins well before pregnancy. The sooner you start living a healthier lifestyle, the better off you and baby will be!
The first few weeks of pregnancy are important in your baby’s development. However, many women do not realize they are pregnant until several weeks after conception. Planning ahead and taking care of yourself before becoming pregnant is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.
Before getting pregnant, think about the emotional and lifestyle issues you'll face as a parent. Talk to your partner about the values you share or concerns you both have about starting a family.
Many new parents are surprised by how expensive a baby can be. Talk to your partner and plan ahead and these new costs will be easier to manage.

