Before Your Baby's Birth


Prenatal Testing

We provide expectant mothers with the latest in obstetrical technology and services to help meet their prenatal needs. A medical team, consisting of physicians, nurses, technicians, and counselors, delivers care in an environment that has been specifically designed to provide a variety of services, including:

  • Genetic counseling
  • High-resolution ultrasound
  • Amniocentesis
  • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
  • Nonstress testing
  • Cardiac and Doppler scanning of the fetal heart

For more information on prenatal testing, call the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Group, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at (732) 235-8006.

Childbirth Education

New Parent Education offers a host of childbirth preparation programsPregnant Mother, With Father and Child that are designed to meet the needs of parents-to-be and other family members. Programs are led by registered nurses who are certified in childbirth education. Presentations also are made by other health care professionals.

For more information on childbirth classes call 1-888-724-7123.

Use the Advanced Search feature here to view our listing of monthly childbirth education classes.

RWJUH also offers health care services and nutritional information to expectant mothers through the state-administered HealthStart program. For more information on the program, call (732) 923-6701.

Easing the Admission Process

We encourage expectant mothers to complete pre-admission registration several months before entering the hospital to alleviate any admitting delays. This online process, including pre-admission, living will, photography consent forms and two general admission consents (one for you and one for your newborn) - complete with instructions - will either be given to you by your physician or arrive in the mail at your home.

If you have any questions regarding the requested information, call the pre-registration office Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 8:00pm, at (732) 937-8863.

About Our Obstetrical Staff

RWJUH's attending medical staff includes nearly 50 highly trained obstetricians - the vast majority of whom are board-certified or eligible in the discipline and other subspecialties. As a leading academic medical center, twenty resident obstetricians/gynecologists work alongside our teaching medical faculty and nursing staff.

For a referral to a physician, perinatologist, or a pediatrician, call the RWJBarnabas Health Link at (888) 724-7123.

Selecting Your Baby's Doctor

Smiling pregnant woman with doctorParents-to-be are encouraged to select and visit their child's physician before the baby is born. It's important to ask questions that pertain to the practice's availability in emergencies, after-office hours, scheduling well visits and sick visits, and billing procedures.

The medical and dental staff at Bristol-Myers Squibb Children's Hospital at RWJUH includes over 100 pediatricians and physicians with pediatric subspecialty training.

Packing Your Hospital Bag

Make sure you have what you need for the big day (or night) by using this checklist. It lists the most common items new moms require during their stay. Pack ahead for less stress as you get ready to leave for the hospital. Remember to bring a photo ID and insurance card.

FOR MOM

  • Items to assist you with labor
  • A few nightgowns, a robe and a pair of slippers
  • A comfortable, loose-fitting outfit to wear home
  • Toiletries

FOR BABY

  • A receiving blanket
  • A homecoming infant outfit
  • A properly installed infant car seat as required under New Jersey law
    www.nj.gov/lps/hts/childseats