Health During Pregnancy

Pregnancy Testing

Pregnancy tests are provided at no cost everyday. Appointments are necessary and results are confidential. For more information, please call (336) 651-7450.

Maternal Health Services

Wilkes County Health Department no longer provides maternity clinic services on site. Public health maternity services are offered by Northwest Carolina Womens Center. Wilkes County Health Department assures that all pregnant women who live in Wilkes County have access to prenatal care regardless of the ability to pay.

The following services are available at Wilkes County Health Department:

  • Car Seat Installation Checks
  • Prenatal Education
  • Postpartum Birth Control
  • Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (“Venereal Diseases”)
  • Management of Minor Gynecological Problems
  • Screening Tests for Genetic and Communicable Diseases

For more information, please call (336) 651-7450.

Have You Recently Found Out You Are Pregnant?

The Baby Love Program can help. Baby Love provides Maternity Care Coordinators (MCC’s) in Wilkes Countyto assist pregnant women and new mothers work on concerns that may affect the pregnancy and the baby’s health. The MCC’s can provide:

  • Assistance in applying for Medicaid
  • Referrals to community resources and agencies (housing, child care, transportation, etc)
  • Referrals to community agencies that provide information on pregnancy and newborn care
  • Resources to address issues that may cause you to feel stressed or worried

No matter where you receive your Prenatal Care, you can sign up for the Maternity Care Coordination Program. Call the Wilkes County Health Department at 651-7450 to sign up or receive more information.

Are You Expecting a Baby?

Are you going to be a first time mother or maybe a mother anxious about having a newborn in the house?

The Welcome Baby Program can ease those fears! Register at Wilkes Regional Medical Center for a nurse to visit you and your newborn at home after delivery. A nurse will weigh the baby, assist with breast /bottle feeding, help answer any questions you may have and give support to the new family.

Getting home with your newborn can be both exciting and frightening. A newborn visit can be very beneficial and reassuring for you.

The Welcome Baby program is a free service to any new mother provided by the Wilkes County Health Dept.,Wilkes Regional Medical Center, and Smart Start.

If you do not deliver at Wilkes Regional Medical Center and live in Wilkes County, this service is still available to you. Please call the Wilkes County Health Department at 651-7450 to schedule a home visit with a nurse.

You may also visit the following websites regarding the program:
Wilkesregional.org
Wilkessmartstart.com

Free Prenatal Classes:

English speaking offered at Wilkes Regional Medical Center
Spanish speaking offered at the Health Department 
Call 336-651-7449 for more information or to register

For more information, please call (336) 651-7450.

SIDS and Prenatal Loss Counseling

A registered nurse, certified in SIDS counseling, makes a home visit to parents who have experienced a SIDS related loss. The nurse answers questions, makes referrals as appropriate, and provides support while assisting the family with the grief process. Also, registered nurses are available to make a home visit to a woman that has recently experienced a fetal loss and would like extra support. For more information, please call (336) 651-7450.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

Wilkes County Health Department provides nutrition education and vouchers (coupons) for women, infants and children (up to age 5) who meet state guidelines, including income. There is no cost to this service.

For more information, please call (336) 651-7450.

Car Seat Safety

A car seat must be properly installed before an infant can be taken home from the hospital after birth. Car seats can be installed or checked most days at the Health Department through the Injury Prevention initiative. Recalled seats may be able to be replaced through Safe Kids. Call in advance to make sure someone trained will be available.

For more information, please call (336) 651-7450.