‘Preconceived Ideas!’ July 30, 2003 ‘Preconceived Ideas!’ Stresses Emphasis On Health and Fitness, Birthing Options Before Pregnancy For those of you who are thinking about having a baby, congratulations! And, yes, you should think first about this life-changing event. Before becoming pregnant is the best time to focus on the mother-to-be’s health, fitness and birthing choices. Dr. Nancy Toy of the Catawba Women’s Center in conjunction with Catawba Valley Medical Center will present a single session entitled “Preconceived Ideas!” at CVMC’s HealthFirst Center at Valley Hills Mall on Friday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting time is designed to teach prospective parents about the importance of planning prenatal medical care and birthing options. Among the topics discussed will be medical care options; delivery choices; CVMC’s Birthing Center; scheduling a preconceptional assessment; tips on nutrition, diet, fitness, lifestyle and environmental choices; genetic testing; discontinuation of the birth control pill; getting pregnant and special circumstances. “Because pregnancy is a profound emotional and physical experience, parents-to-be often find it challenging to take in all the information and make important decisions during pregnancy,” said Marie Wimmer, CVMC’s Women’s Health Education Coordinator at The HealthFirst Center and organizer of the class. “Often a woman is not aware of the choices in healthcare providers and birthing options. A better understanding of all these components will help the mother-to-be make decisions for the best pregnancy and birth experience possible,” said Wimmer. “In addition, this class will stress the importance of healthful living and lifestyle before pregnancy including the addition of folic acid to the diet of all women of childbearing age. As a couple contemplates the beginning of their family, it is certainly worth the effort to become prepared for a healthy pregnancy and a memorable experience that will be cherished for years.” To find out more or to pre-register, call Catawba Valley Medical Center’s HealthFirst Center at Valley Hills Mall at 828-485-2300. The HealthFirst Center at Valley Hills Mall is a service of Catawba Valley Medical Center, a not-for-profit healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public. The Center serves as a convenient location for health education and wellness services. CVMC was recently designated as the thirty-second Magnet facility in the nation and the second in the Carolinas.