Whether you’re expecting your first child or expanding your family, welcoming a new baby into the world is one of the most beautiful, significant moments of your life. At Southeast Georgia Health System, our maternity team provides the expert care, personal touch, and fantastic patient experience you deserve during this special time.
Here are some of the reasons you can feel confident in choosing to have your baby at one of our maternity care centers.
Foods to avoid during pregnancy
While you're pregnant, you and your baby both are more vulnerable to the germs that cause foodborne illnesses. Your baby also is sensitive to mercury and other toxins that might be in some foods.
Select a food below to learn why it's dangerous and see how to make a safer choice.
UNPASTEURIZED MILK
Why to avoid: Unpasteurized milk can contain a number of dangerous bacteria.
A safer choice: Drink only pasteurized milk.
UNPASTEURIZED SOFT CHEESES
Why to avoid: Soft cheeses, such as Brie or queso fresco, that are made from unpasteurized milk may contain E. coli or listeria.
A safer choice: Choose hard cheeses like cheddar or Swiss. Or check the label of a soft cheese to see if it's made from pasteurized milk.
SUSHI
Why to avoid: Raw or undercooked fish or shellfish can contain parasites or bacteria.
A safer choice: Eat fish that's been cooked to at least 145 degrees.
UNPASTEURIZED JUICE
Why to avoid: Unpasteurized or fresh-squeezed juice can contain E. coli.
A safer choice: Drink only pasteurized juice or cider.
RAW COOKIE DOUGH OR CAKE BATTER
Why to avoid: Raw cookie dough and cake batter can contain salmonella.
A safer choice: Bake the cookies and cake before you indulge. And resist the temptation to lick the spoon.
HIGH-MERCURY FISH Why to avoid: Mercury is a toxin. Fish to avoid include king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tilefish and bigeye tuna.
A safer choice: Cod, salmon and sardines are all safer choices.
RAW OR UNDERCOOKED SPROUTS
Why to avoid: Alfalfa, clover, bean and other sprouts can contain E. coli or salmonella.
A safer choice: Eat only fully cooked sprouts.
STORE-MADE SALADS
Why to avoid: Store-made salads might contain listeria.
A safer choice: Make your salads at home following the food safety basics: clean, separate, cook and chill.
There's a lot to learn about during pregnancy.
Our Pregnancy health topic center has more information about staying safe and healthy when you're expecting.
Sources: Foodsafety.gov; U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Reviewed 3/27/2023
Sources
- FoodSafety.gov. “People at Risk: Pregnant Women.” https://www.foodsafety.gov/people-at-risk/pregnant-women.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. “Advice about Eating Fish.” https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish.
Personalized care from an experienced maternity team
Our staff includes board-certified obstetricians, midwives, lactation specialists and nurses who are specially trained in obstetrics and can help with even high-risk pregnancies. Our providers can give you prenatal care, deliver your baby and care for you after delivery.
Every member of our team is focused on giving you and your family the best-possible birth experience. That’s why we take the time to understand and do our best to honor the preferences written in your birth plan while ensuring the safety of you and your baby.
Cozy birth centers
We’ve created a warm and soothing environment at our maternity care centers where every mom has a private, comfortable birthing suite. We recommend that you take a tour of the maternity care center where you plan to deliver two to eight weeks before your due date.
- Take a virtual tour of our Miriam & Hugh Nunnally Maternity Care Center in Brunswick. To register for an in-person tour, please call 912-466-4134.
- Take a virtual tour of our Camden Campus Maternity Care Center in St. Marys. To register for an in-person tour, please call 912-540-6821.
Learn more about the birth experience in our maternity care centers.
Newborn nursery
We have a level II nursery at our Miriam & Hugh Nunnally Maternity Care Center in Brunswick for babies who arrive as early as 32 weeks and newborns who need special care. We have a level I nursery on our Camden Campus.
Pregnancy classes and education
To help you get ready for your baby’s arrival, we provide a variety of helpful information and resources, including:
- Pregnancy classes
- “Great Expectations,” a booklet that will help prepare you for childbirth and after your baby is born
- Breastfeeding support groups
- Prenatal education to help ensure a healthy pregnancy
- Nurses who will answer your questions and teach you what you need to know before you bring your baby home
Preventing infant falls
Baby-Friendly designation
Our Brunswick Campus received the prestigious international recognition of a Baby-Friendly hospital. This designation from Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
We support all moms regardless of their feeding choices.
Learn more about our maternity services
For more information about our maternity care centers, please call:
- Miriam & Hugh Nunnally Maternity Care Center (Brunswick): 912-466-4100
- Maternity Care Center - Camden Campus (St. Marys): 912-576-6255