Preconception/Prenatal Information

Preconception/Prenatal Information

Information on preconception/prenatal topics may be found on the websites listed below:

Preconception:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• March of Dimes

Prenatal:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• March of Dimes
• PA Department of Health

To help ensure a healthy pregnancy, arrange prenatal care with an OB provider. First appointments are usually scheduled at 8 – 10 weeks after your last menstrual period. Contact the provider of your choice when pregnancy is confirmed.

Local Physicians

Mount Nittany Physician’s Group
Dept. of OB/GYN
1850 East Park Avenue
Suite 301
State College, PA 16803
814-237-3470

Geisinger Medical Group
Grayswoods
132 Abigail Lane
Port Matilda, PA 16870
814-234-5021

Robert E. Szabo, MD
251 Easterly Parkway
State College, PA 16801
814-272-5511

Danger Signs of Pregnancy Complications

While most pregnancies are uncomplicated, be aware of the following and respond accordingly:

Possible Ectopic (Tubal) Pregnancy

These symptoms may occur near the sixth week of pregnancy:

• Sudden intense pain, or persistent pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, usually localized to one side or the other.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting with pelvic pain when your period is late, after an unusually light period, or after a positive pregnancy test.
• Fainting or dizziness lasting more than a few seconds.

Possible Miscarriage

• Your last period was late, and bleeding is now heavy, possibly with clots or clumps of tissue; cramping is more severe than usual.
• Your period is prolonged and heavy 5-7 heavy days.
• You have low abdominal pain and fever.
• You have fluid leaking from the vagina or unusual vaginal discharge and odor.
• You have low abdominal pain with back pain.
• You have pain with urination, are urinating more frequently and have a strong urge to urinate, then cannot initiate urination.

Contact your health care provider immediately or go to a hospital emergency room if you develop any of these danger signs of pregnancy complications.

Additional Local Services

Nutrition

The Nutrition Clinc offers appointments to review individual concerns and help in developing diet plans. For more information visit the nutrition clinic website. 

WIC

A federally funded food supplement and information program for Women, Infants, and Children.

For more information, call them at 814-234-8621 or visit their website.

Penn State Breastfeeding Support Program

Support and services to Penn State Faculty, Staff, Students, and their spouses/partners.

For more information call them at 814-867-0776 or visit their website.

Karen Foard

Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

For more information visit their website.

La Leche League

An international organization that promotes breastfeeding. 

For more information, email them or visit their website.

Child Development & Family Council of Centre County

Provides child care for infants through school-age children.
For more information, call them at 814-238-5480, or visit their website. 

Student Parent Child Care Subsidy Program

PSU’s Office of Human Resources offers a child subsidy program for qualifying low-income undergraduate student parents enrolled in a degree program at all 24-PSU locations. Funding for graduate student families is available at the University Park campus location.

For more information, visit their website. 

Emergencies

In an emergency go to Mount Nittany Medical Center or call 911 for an ambulance.

Test Results and Advice Nurse

Send a secure message to the advice nurse via myUHS or call 814-865-4UHS (4847) (Press 3). 

Appointments 

Schedule an appointment online or by calling the UHS.  

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. This information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a healthcare professional. 03/2022