Posted by Dawn Griffin
Moving to St. Louis during a Pregnancy?
Since my husband and I found out we were expecting our first baby, we have been reading all kinds of books. I just ran across this section of one of those tomes.
Before you leave your old home, find a hospital in the area that you are moving to that you want to use and, then find a doctor (who is accepting new patients) who delivers at that hospital. Do this as soon as you are moving because it may take some time to get in to see the doctor for your first appointment. A real-estate agent should be helpful in this situation. Ask about a hospital with a level 2 or level 3 nursery. These hospitals are better able to deal with various complications of pregnancy and birth. Even if you haven’t had any problems, you’ll rest easier knowing the hospital is equipped to handle an emergency.
Missouri Baptist: Missouri Baptist Medical Center, which delivers more than 4,000 babies each year, recently received a Level IIIA NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) designation for its nursery, as determined by the American Academy of Pediatrics in conjunction with the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.
SSM St. Mary’s Health Center: The Family Birthplace at SSM St. Mary’s specializes in high-risk obstetrics and is fully equipped with a Level III Neonatal ICU, a PerinatalCenter, a Maternal & Fetal Care Center and a satellite location for the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute. Other specialty features include a 17-bed Antepartum unit and 24/7, on-staff Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians. More than 3000 babies are delivered here each year.
Mercy: Mercy has largest Level III (highest) neonatal intensive care unit in Missouri. They are the region’s leading birthing center and were the first hospital in Missouri to be recognized by J.D. Power and Associates Distinguished Hospital Program for “Outstanding Patient Experience” in maternity care.
So, if you are moving to St Louis and expecting a new baby, Congratulations! St. Louis is a great place to raise a family. Cost of living is low. Housing stock is plentiful. You can get anywhere (including out of the city) in about 20 minutes because traffic is very very manageable. There are tons of FREE museums and attractions and lots and lots of gorgeous parks.
