Q: Can I bring any comfort items from home?

A: It is fine to bring in blankets, pillows, nightgowns and battery-operated CD players with you. In childbirth education classes, you will learn about other items you can pack that are useful to have during labor.

Q: I would like to have a drug-free, natural birth. Does Clarian have any options for me?

A: Methodist Hospital offers the Gentle Beginnings Birth Center (317-962-3146) as an option for families desiring a natural birth. Gentle Beginnings offers alternative pain management options such as aromatherapy, massage therapy, birthing balls, music therapy, and hydrotherapy among others. The center is available to any physician or midwife on staff with a low-risk maternity patient who wants to use the center and meets the criteria of being low-risk. The center is covered by most insurance plans.

Q: My sister had a premature baby, and I am concerned about having my baby too early. How will I know if this is happening to me?

A: Pre-term labor is regular contractions and cervical dilation that occurs before 37 weeks' gestation. Call your health care provider immediately if you have these symptoms:

• Contractions every 10 minutes or more than five contractions in one hour
• Backache that does not go away after resting on your side
• Changes in vaginal discharge including bleeding or spotting
• Pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is pushing down inside
• Abdominal cramps and diarrhea

Q: Most days my baby is very active, but some days I don't feel very much movement. Should I be concerned about this?

A: Beginning in the seventh month, you should feel some fetal movement every day. Babies vary widely in terms of activity. Some are very active and move almost continuously, others are quieter. If you feel no fetal movement in a 12-24 hour period, contact your care provider immediately.

Q: I seem to be having so many aches and pains during my pregnancy. How do I know when it could be something serious and I need to call my doctor or midwife?

A: Your health care provider is there to help you distinguish which symptoms of pregnancy are normal and which are dangerous. Good communication is very important. You should notify your care provider if you experience any of the following:

• Severe swelling of your face and hands
• Continuous, severe headaches unrelieved by over-the-counter medication
• Blurred vision or spots before your eyes
• Fever and chills
• Severe abdominal pain
• Unable to keep food or liquids down
• Baby stops moving
• Active herpes lesions
• Burning pain with urination

Q: I have two children, but this is my husband's first. Do we still need to attend childbirth classes?

A: We recommend the Clarian series, weekend or express classes for all couples having their first baby together. We also offer a "Next Time Around" refresher class for second- and third-time parents. Classes are available at multiple locations throughout the community. For more information, or to register for a class, visit the Great Expectaction Childbirth Education Web site.

Q: I'm due in less than two months. Is it too late to take a class?

A: We offer a wide variety of classes at different times throughout the week and on the weekends at Clarian facilities throughout the community. Visit the Great Expectaction Childbirth Education Web site for details.

Q: How do I choose a doctor?

A: If your physician doesn't take care of pregnant women or newborns, you should request a referral to someone who does. If you'd like other options, contact Clarian On-Call at 317-916-3525 or 800-265-3220. This Clarian service is free.

Q: Does Clarian accept my insurance coverage?

A: Yes. Clarian accepts all insurance plans; that does not mean the insurance company will pay if Clarian is not in its network. You need to check with your employer or insurance company for a list of hospitals in the network, or call the toll-free number on the back of your insurance card.

Q: Are tours available at the maternity centers?

A: Yes, we encourage you to take a tour! Tours are available at all of our facilities. We also offer virtual tours of our Methodist Maternity Center and Clarian North's Maternity Center.

Q: Does Clarian offer 24-hour anesthesia coverage in its OB program?

A: Yes. Anesthesiologists are available around the clock for pain management and for C-sections. (Note: Clarian does not use nurse anesthetists.)

Q: Do babies stay in the nursery?

A: After the birth of your baby, our comfortable units offer the opportunity to keep your baby in your room if you desire. In addition, the nurseries are available 24 hours a day when you need to rest.