Welcome to pregnancy!

You are about to become a parent—for the first time or all over again.

Those of us working at Allina Health are delighted that you've chosen us to be a partner in your care. We look forward to supporting and helping you through your pregnancy and the birth of your baby.

Over the months ahead you will have many questions. Your body and your baby are both developing and changing in remarkable ways. Don't hesitate to bring up any question or concern that you have. Ask your health care provider. Ask your prenatal or childbirth instructor. We welcome your questions, and we will give you a personal response.

We strive to provide several avenues of information about pregnancy, birth, newborns and preparing for your recovery. Your health care provider's office and your hospital can direct you to a number of different classes. These can be reassuring as well as helpful.

We designed this information as a guide to pregnancy and to help you prepare for labor, birth and early parenthood. The information is not meant to replace the advice from your health care provider. Talk with your health care provider about your concerns or questions.

Pregnant people go through pregnancy, labor and birth with a wide variety of support systems and life choices. We wish to honor your choices and support both you and those who are important to you and your family.

Most of the information in this manual is addressed to people who are pregnant. However, we hope that all expectant parents and their support people will use these resources to help them better understand pregnancy, birth and early parenting. We have written a special section just for partners.

The day of your baby's birth probably seems far away. But in just a few months, you'll be at home taking care of your new baby. You have begun an amazing journey. And, you won't be going through it alone. We're here to help.