Prenatal Care
Available Services
The following services are available at Wilkes County Health Department:
- Car Seat Installation Checks
- Management of Minor Gynecological Problems
- Postpartum Birth Control
- Prenatal Education
- Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (Venereal Diseases)
- Screening Tests for Genetic and Communicable Diseases
- Car Seat Safety
- Maternal Health Services
- Postpartum / Newborn Program
- Pregnancy Care Management
- Pregnancy Testing
- Prenatal Classes
- SIDS
- Women, Infants & Children
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.
Maternal Health Services
Wilkes County Health Department no longer provides maternity clinic services on site. Public health maternity services are offered by Northwest Carolina Women's 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.
Postpartum / Newborn Program
Are you going to be a first time mother or maybe a mother anxious about having a newborn in the house? The Postpartum/Newborn Program can ease those fears! A nurse will come to visit you and your newborn at home after delivery. The 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 program is a free service to new mothers provided by the Wilkes County Health Department, and Wilkes Regional Medical Center. Please call the Wilkes County Health Department at 651-7450 to schedule a home visit with a nurse.
Pregnancy Care Management
Pregnancy Care Management services are available to pregnant women enrolled in North Carolina Medicaid statewide, and to a limited number of low income, uninsured pregnant women in some counties. Pregnancy Care Managers are registered nurses or social workers who will work with you and your prenatal care provider to ensure you receive the best possible care while you are pregnant and after you deliver your baby. Our goal is to help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Pregnancy Testing
Pregnancy tests are provided everyday. Appointments are necessary and results are confidential. For more information, please call 336-651-7450.
Prenatal Classes
Please contact Wilkes Regional Medical Center at 336-651-8100 or the Wilkes County Health Department at 336-651-7450 for more information.
SIDS & 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.