Wednesday, February 11, 2015

From Early Nausea to Preterm Labor Symptoms, Magee Pregnancy App Educates New Parents

Pittsburgh University. US: Is your baby the size of grape, or as long as a dollar bill? When can you expect to first feel the movements your baby makes, and when can she or he first hear your voice? To answer the many questions expectant parents often have, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC has launched the MyMageePregnancy app, available via the hospital’s Facebook page.


With over 1,500 views in its first three weeks, the app is designed to educate women about their baby’s development as well as the changes their own bodies are going through, taking a month-by-month look at the process of pregnancy.
 

The MyMageePregnancy features include:

  • Pregnancy advice for all 40 weeks, from managing nausea in the early months to helpful items to pack in your overnight bag down the line;
  • A timeline to guide decision making when it comes to prenatal tests, breastfeeding and choosing a pediatrician;
  • Health recommendations, including vitamin and exercise guidelines;
  • Information on Magee education classes appropriate to the stages of pregnancy, including Lamaze and sibling introduction classes, and
  • Hospital information, including facts on epidurals, alternative pain-control options like the use of birthing balls and showers, and where to go once in labor.
The app information can be shared on Facebook, allowing expectant parents the opportunity to keep friends and family updated as their pregnancy progresses. 
 
“We wanted to provide easy-to-access information for our expectant moms because we know how many questions and concerns they have,” said Patty Genday, executive director, women’s services at Magee. “This app complements regular prenatal care and is a fun, informative way for women to receive additional information about their pregnancies. In addition, the content was created in concert with Magee experts, which means moms-to-be know the information can be trusted.”