Three things every expectant mother should know
June 19, 2026
Three things every expectant mother should know
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, and if this is your first baby, you might not know quite what to expect. Friends and family members who’ve already been through the experience have probably already told you lots of stories, and you can expect to go through plenty of ups and downs before your “bundle of joy” arrives. Our all-woman team of healthcare professionals at Central Clinic for Women is here to ensure that your pregnancy journey is a smooth one, and we’re always a phone call away when you need to schedule your first prenatal care appointment!
Our clinic is conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus, and we’re committed to providing the highest quality prenatal care for women in Arkansas. Contact us as soon as you know or suspect you’re pregnant, and we’ll develop a comprehensive plan tailor-made to meet your unique needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for childbirth, and we’re always a phone call away if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment!
Your due date is only an estimate. Estimating due dates is often more art than science, and less than 5% of babies actually arrive on time. Once you’re assigned a due date, it won’t change, and the most important thing to remember as it approaches is to be patient and stick to the plan that you developed with your OB-GYN.
Every trip with your baby is an adventure! If this is your first baby, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by how much gear you have to carry each time you leave the house. It’s a good idea to develop a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything, and you should always add at least 30 minutes to the time it normally takes you to get ready to go out.
Babies don’t always “cry themselves out.” You should always check on crying babies for at least the first three or four months after bringing them home, but sometimes nothing seems to calm them down. Just remember that it’s perfectly okay to set your baby back down in the crib before the crying’s done if you need a few moments to freshen up and catch your own breath!
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(501) 227-5885 to schedule prenatal care or to find an experienced OBGYN Little Rock.
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As you approach menopause, you’ve probably already heard a lifetime of horror stories from friends and older relatives about what to expect. The experience certainly has no shortage of ups and downs, but they all survived, and so will you! The good news is that you won’t have to go through “the change” on your own, and our dedicated all-woman team of healthcare professionals at Central Clinic for Women is here to ease your menopause journey! We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus in Little Rock, and our services include annual women’s health and cervical cancer screenings, 3D mammograms, bone health assessments, and other tests and procedures as needed. We recognize that each woman's experience is unique, and we provide individualized care to address your specific needs and concerns so you can navigate menopause with confidence. Here are a few frequently asked questions about menopause, and we’re a phone call away if you’d like to learn more or schedule your annual well-woman exam. When does menopause begin? Menopause begins for most women when they reach their early 50s, but some women might start experiencing symptoms as early as their mid-to-late 40s. What are the most common symptoms of menopause? Many women start experiencing a host of unpleasant symptoms once they reach middle age, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and irregular periods; You might also experience mood swings or struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Menopause affects all women differently, and it’s important to discuss any new symptoms or changes to existing symptoms with your doctor right away. What can I do on my own to manage my symptoms? One of the most important things you can do to manage menopause symptoms is to eat right and get 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise at least three times a week. And if you smoke, quit now! It should also come as no surprise that stress can adversely affect your health, so do your best to identify the natural stressors in your life and plan accordingly. There’s also no shame in talking to a behavioral therapist or other mental health professional if you need further assistance to cope with extreme stress, anxiety, or depression! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 to schedule a menopause care appointment or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! You’re in store for a life-changing experience, and you’re very likely to go through every imaginable emotion in the upcoming months. The big day will be here before you know it, and the good news is that our all-woman team at Central Clinic for Women is here to ensure that you’re fully prepared! Our clinic is conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus, and we’re committed to providing the highest quality prenatal care for women in Arkansas. Contact us as soon as you believe you might be pregnant, and we’ll help you develop a plan to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Here are a few tips to help you get started, and we’re always a phone call away if you have any additional questions! Things to do now— This is a great time to start reading up on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care, but you should always remember that books, blog posts, and podcasts are no substitute for qualified medical advice. Designing a fun and functional nursery is always a lot of fun, and it’s never too early to start baby-proofing your home. Be sure to also stockpile baby supplies in other rooms you use regularly for quick, easy access. During your final trimester— Put together a hospital bag at least a month before your due date, and keep it near your front door. Be sure to include clothing for both you and your baby, toiletries, snacks, an extra phone charger, and anything else you won’t want to be without during your hospital stay. And you’ll probably be too tired to do much cooking once you get home, so start preparing and freezing plenty of easy-to-reheat comfort foods so you won’t be forced to eat carry-out for every meal. After your baby arrives— The importance of postpartum care cannot be overstated, and it’s perfectly normal to feel stressed out (and maybe a little sad) during the months right after childbirth. You’ll want to eat right, get plenty of sleep, and engage in some light exercise to improve both your body and mind. Parenting is a shared responsibility, so don’t be afraid to let your partner or other family members know how they can help! Contact us online or dial (501) 227-5885 to schedule prenatal care or to find an experienced OBGYN Little Rock.
All parents will tell you that their children have been their greatest blessing, and the experience is truly life-changing. But if you don’t think you’re ready, it’s crucial to choose an effective form of contraception and use it consistently. Our all-woman team at Central Clinic for Women proudly offers annual well-woman exams, 3D mammography, obstetric care, and other specialized services, including menopause care. We can help you have a smooth pregnancy and a quality childbirth experience whenever you’re ready, and we can also help you choose the form of contraception that works best for you if you’re not! Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) have a 99% success rate and are effective for up to 12 years. They can be inserted during an outpatient office visit, and some IUDs are effective almost immediately. You won’t have to remember to take a daily pill or insert a device prior to sexual activity, and your IUD can be removed whenever you’re ready to become pregnant. We offer IUDs from leading pharmaceutical companies, including Nexplanon , Paragard , Mirena , and Skyla , and we’ll help you choose the IUD that's best for you. There are two types of IUDs available, and they work in slightly different ways. Copper IUDs cause your uterine lining (endometrium) to become inflamed, making it difficult for a fertilized egg (embryo) to implant and develop. Hormonal IUDs release small amounts of hormones over time that partially suppress your ability to release an egg, and they also thicken your cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach your fallopian tubes. IUD insertion is quick and relatively painless, but we do recommend taking the whole day off work so that you can go home and recuperate for the rest of the day after the procedure. You might experience some initial cramping or discomfort shortly after insertion, as well as some changes to your menstrual period. Other common side effects include headaches, bloating, or mood swings. If you experience any other side effects or symptoms that don’t go away after a few days, be sure to contact your OB-GYN or your Primary Care Physician (PCP) for immediate follow-up. Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 today to schedule your annual exam or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
According to the American Cancer Society , breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting women in the United States. As with all cancers, early diagnosis is the key to optimal clinical outcomes. Women aged 35 and up should begin scheduling mammograms as part of their annual well-woman exam, or earlier if they have a family history of cancer or present with other risk factors. Central Clinic for Women is currently accepting new patients, and we’re proud to offer 3D screening mammography in Little Rock! We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health Campus, and our all-woman team of dedicated healthcare professionals is committed to providing the highest quality care for women of all ages. Our services include maternity care, annual women’s health check-ups, gynecology wellness checks, annual pap smears, family planning, menopause treatment, and cervical cancer screening. We have some of the best doctors and staff available to provide you with unparalleled gynecologic and obstetric care, and we’re always a phone call away if you have any questions about women’s health! 3D mammography involves taking multiple X-ray images of the breast to create a three-dimensional image, enabling our diagnosticians to see beyond areas of density and detect cancers that might otherwise be missed. Clinical studies have shown that combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram yields more accurate diagnoses than a standard mammogram alone, and combining both exams typically obviates the need for follow-up imaging. The procedure for 3D mammography is similar to traditional mammography, but it takes slightly longer to process the additional images. Be sure to let your doctor know about any new symptoms you encounter between your regularly scheduled visits, including mood swings, chronic pain, cramps, spotting, or incontinence. Be sure to also perform a monthly Breast Self-Exam (BSE) at home and contact us for immediate follow-up if you feel any thickening or lumps in your breast tissues or notice any unusual discharge. The best time to perform a BSE is 7-10 days after the end of your period, or any day you can remember each month if you’ve reached menopause and are no longer menstruating. Contact us online or dial (501) 227-5885 to schedule your mammogram or to learn more about our women's clinic Little Rock.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! If this is your first child, it’s a good bet that you’ve heard plenty of horror stories! And anyone with multiple children will tell you that each pregnancy was different. Pregnancy can be a very emotional experience, and you’re certainly not alone if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety! But it’s important to remember that it’s all worth it, and our all-woman team of healthcare professionals at Central Clinic for Women is here to help every step of the way! We’re committed to providing the highest quality prenatal care for women in Arkansas, and our clinic is conveniently located on the Baptist Health campus. Be sure to schedule your first prenatal appointment as soon as you know you're pregnant, and we’ll develop a complete “to-do” list for the months leading up to your big day. There are also several easy things you can do right now to get ready at home! Practice installing and removing your car seat —Your child will need a car seat until he or she is big enough to wear an adult seat belt, and Consumer Reports offers a convenient buyer’s guide to help you choose the seat that’s right for you. Choose a seat that fits your vehicle, and be sure to review the instruction manual and your vehicle's owner’s manual for the correct installation procedures. And be sure to practice, because you definitely don’t want to be installing the seat for the first time with a newborn in your arms! Prepare the baby’s sleep surface —The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers several crib safety tips , and you should purchase a CPSC-approved crib with slats no more than two and 3/8 inches apart. You should always put babies on their backs on a firm, flat sleeping surface, and nothing should go into the crib except for one tight, fitted sheet. Create Workstations Throughout Your Home —Be sure to pick a changing table that’s a comfortable height with plenty of built-in storage, and develop an organizational system for all the supplies you’ll need that you can easily remember while you’re tired. And be sure to set up a stockpile of snacks and supplies near your favorite chair for easy access during lengthy late-night feedings! Contact us online or dial (501) 227-5885 to schedule prenatal care or to find an experienced OBGYN Little Rock.
Whether you’re a young woman or menopause is in your rearview mirror, it’s essential to take a proactive approach to your health! Eating right and getting plenty of exercise should be among your highest priorities, and you should also work closely with a trusted doctor to ensure that you’re on the right track. Our all-woman team at Central Clinic for Women is currently accepting new patients, and we’re a phone call away when you’re ready to schedule your annual well-woman examination! We’re conveniently located on the Baptist Health Campus in Little Rock and are committed to providing dedicated, compassionate care for women of all ages. Our physicians and clinical staff are expertly trained to handle all types of women's health issues, and we’re ready to work with you and develop a holistic plan for your long-term well-being! Regular annual exams provide a snapshot of your overall health, and are offered on an outpatient basis at your convenience. The exams typically take less than an hour, and they’re an essential way for women to ensure early detection and prevention of potential health issues. The annual exam typically includes the following procedures, along with any additional testing that the clinician deems medically necessary. A Clinical Breast Exam involves a physical examination of the breasts, during which the clinician checks for changes in size or shape and feels for hardening, thickening, lumps, or other changes in each layer of breast tissue. You’ll also receive a Pelvic Examination of the vagina, cervix, and uterus to assess your sexual and reproductive health. Your clinician might also perform an ultrasound examination, urinalysis, or a pap smear to screen for cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV). Annual mammograms are a must for women 35 and up, or earlier for women who experience certain symptoms, and we proudly offer 3D Screening Mammography , which involves taking multiple images, or X-rays, of the breast to create a three-dimensional image. This enables our diagnosticians to see beyond areas of density and detect cancers that might otherwise be missed, and typically obviates the need for follow-up imaging. Your health is your wealth, and we're here to support you every step of the way! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 today to schedule your annual exam or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
Children are a huge responsibility, and you should never feel guilty if you don’t quite think you’re ready! You always have plenty of time, and our all-woman team at Central Clinic for Women is here to help when you’re ready to welcome your first child into the world or add to your growing family. And until then, we’re equally happy to help you select the right form of contraception! Our services include annual exams for women, 3D mammography, obstetric care, and other specialized services such as menopause care and Bioidentical Hormone Optimization Therapy (BHRT). We also offer IUDs from leading pharmaceutical companies, including Nexplanon , Paragard , Mirena , and Skyla , and we’ll help you select the IUD that best fits your body’s unique chemistry during your annual women’s exam. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) have a 99% success rate and are a popular choice because they don’t require taking a pill or inserting a device before sexual activity. IUDs work in one of two ways: Copper IUDs cause your uterine lining (endometrium) to become inflamed, making it difficult for a fertilized egg (embryo) to implant and develop. Hormonal IUDs release small amounts of hormones over time that partially suppress your ability to release an egg and thicken your cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to reach your fallopian tubes. The device will be inserted during an outpatient office visit, and some IUDs are effective almost immediately after insertion. The procedure is quick and relatively painless, but you might experience some initial cramping or discomfort shortly after insertion; we strongly recommend taking the whole day off from work and taking it easy for the rest of the day once you get home. Your IUD will remain effective for up to 12 years, and can be easily removed whenever you’re ready to become pregnant. The most common side effects you’re likely to encounter are cramping and changes to your menstrual period. You might also experience headaches, bloating, or mood swings as your body adjusts. If you experience more severe pain or other side effects that persist for longer than a few days, be sure to contact your OB-GYN or Primary Care Physician (PCP) for immediate follow-up! Contact us online or at (501) 227-5885 today to schedule your annual exam or to find a trusted gynecologist Little Rock.
