Posted by Dawn Griffin
Moving to St. Louis During a Pregnancy?
Moving to a new city can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when you’re pregnant. The anticipation of settling into a new home and exploring a different environment is often accompanied by concerns about finding reliable healthcare, establishing a support network, and ensuring a smooth transition for your growing family. Balancing the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy with the logistical aspects of moving requires careful planning and a positive mindset. Embracing this new chapter with preparation and flexibility can help make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for you and your baby.
When my husband and I were expecting our first baby, we read sooo many books. This was advice that I always find helpful to pass along to expecting parents when moving to a new city.
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.
Having a Baby in St. Louis
BJC Healthcare System
Barnes Jewish Hospital
400 S Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110 (Central West End)
Barnes-Jewish Hospital, in partnership with the Washington University School of Medicine, offers state-of-the-art maternity services. With access to top-tier medical professionals and a Level IV NICU, Barnes-Jewish is well-prepared to handle the most complex and high-risk pregnancies. Their facilities and expertise make them a standout option for expecting parents in the St. Louis area.
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
3015 N Ballas Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131 (West County)
Baptist Medical Center, located on Ballas Road, continues to be a top choice for expecting parents. The hospital delivers more than 4,000 babies each year and boasts a Level IIIA NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) designation. This ensures they are well-equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies and any complications that may arise during birth.
Progress West
2 Progress Point Parkway, O’Fallon, MO 63368 (O’Fallon)
BJC HealthCare’s facility in West County provides excellent maternity care services with access to advanced medical technology and experienced staff. While they do not have the largest NICU, their affiliation with Barnes-Jewish Hospital ensures that any necessary higher-level care is readily available, providing peace of mind to expecting parents.
Mercy Hospital System – St. Louis
Mercy Birthplace – West
615 S. New Ballas Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141 (West County)
Located on Ballas Road in Creve Coeur, Mercy Hospital St. Louis is renowned for having the 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 for “Outstanding Patient Experience” in maternity care. Mercy continues to be a leader in providing comprehensive maternity services and care.
Mercy Birthplace – South
10010 Kennerly Road, St. Louis, MO 63128 (South County)
The Birth Center at Mercy South on Kennerly Road is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing exceptional care for expectant mothers and their families. It features modern birthing suites designed to create a comfortable and serene environment, equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.
SSM St. Mary’s Hospital
Family Birthplace
6420 Clayton Rd, Richmond Heights, MO 63117 (Clayton)
The Family Birthplace at SSM St. Mary’s, located on Clayton Road, specializes in high-risk obstetrics and is fully equipped with a Level III Neonatal ICU. The hospital features a Perinatal Center, a Maternal & Fetal Care Center, and a satellite location for the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute. Additionally, they have a 17-bed Antepartum unit and offer 24/7 access to Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians. More than 3,000 babies are delivered here each year, making it a trusted choice for many families.
Conclusion
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. We’d love to help you find a home that would work best for your growing family. Contact us if you have any questions.
