Our Maternity Services

Gaston Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is able to provide care to Gaston County residents who are pregnant and uninsured, have Medicaid or have insurance that does not cover maternity care.

We provide care to patients with routine and high-risk pregnancies. Hospital coverage is provided by midwives and physicians of OB Hospitalist Group 24/7 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. So no matter when the time comes, care is available for you and your baby! In addition to our routine services, we are proud to be able to offer you a variety of services to assist in making sure you and your baby are as healthy as possible.

If you are interested in any of the services listed below, tell your midwife or doctor at your next visit or call us at 704-853-5009.

Other services that we provide include:

  • CATO (Clean Air in, Tobacco Out)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers
  • Medicaid Eligibility Specialist
  • Your Baby's Delivery
  • CaroMont Perinatal Services
  • Nutrition Help (WIC)
  • Pregnancy Medical Home
  • High-Risk Pregnancy Care
  • Routine/Low-Risk Pregnancy Care
  • STAR Program
  • Childbirth Education:
    • Lamaze
    • Breastfeeding Class

CATO (Clean Air in, Tobacco Out)

Patients who smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke can meet with our smoking cessation counselor. Our trained counselor will provide education on the effects of smoking and tobacco products on mom and baby; help with choosing a way to decrease or quit smoking, and help with any additional referrals that you may need to be successful in meeting your goals.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

A specially trained and licensed social worker will help with your needs related to substance use, behavioral or mental health needs, anxiety issues, depression, physical or mental abuse or any other social concern that is identified that you may need to discuss. The social worker is also able to work with you and complete referrals to other local resources that can help meet your needs so you can have the healthiest possible pregnancy.

Medicaid Eligibility Specialist

Need help applying for Medicaid? We have a specialist dedicated to helping you through that process. This person will answer your questions and help you complete the application if you need help - no need for a separate trip to the Division of Social Services.

Your Baby's Delivery

DHHS patients deliver at the Birthplace at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. At the Birthplace, patients are able to experience labor, delivery and after-delivery care, all in the same room. The Birthplace also has important emergency facilities available should you need them, including an operating room on the same floor in the event you should need a C-section, and Neonatal Intensive Care Services should your baby need any specialized care. (Image courtesy CaroMont Health)

CaroMont Perinatal Center

DHHS is pleased to partner with Ramada S Smith, MD, maternal-fetal medicine specialist at CaroMont Perinatal Center. Dr. Smith provides consults, special testing and education for our high-risk patients. Dr. Smith also helps plan the care of our high-risk patients. Located just down the street from our high-risk maternity clinic, Dr. Smith is an invaluable, local, highly trained resource for our high-risk team and our high-risk maternity patients.

Nutrition Help (WIC)

Have special diet needs? Are you diabetic? Are you underweight or overweight? Do you have a history of PICA, anorexia, bulimia, low iron, persistent nausea and vomiting? We have a trained specialist for you! Our certified nutritionist will assess your needs and develop a nutrition plan for you. Our nutritionist is available during most of our high-risk maternity clinics as well as by appointment at the WIC office, located inside the Public Health facility on Hudson Boulevard We also have limited hours at our Social Services facility on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Way.

For more information, call 704-853-5100.

Pregnancy Medical Home

During your first visit to any of our locations, you will be asked to complete a form with some questions that will help us determine if you have any conditions that may cause you to have a high-risk pregnancy. We have a great program that has both social workers and nurses who work with you through your pregnancy to help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. If you are eligible for this program, you will be contacted by a case manager to discuss the program and what it can do for you.

High-Risk Pregnancy Care

No one anticipates having a high-risk pregnancy, so if it happens, it is important to have someone who knows how to care for you. At the Gaston County Health Department, we have specially trained physicians to care for patients with conditions that could impact the health and well-being of mom-to-be or baby. We will schedule your appointments to be seen as often as needed.

Routine / Low-Risk Pregnancy Care

If you are healthy during your whole pregnancy, you can expect that you will be seen every 4 weeks until you are about 28 weeks, then every 2 to 3 weeks until you are 36 weeks, and then at least once per week until you deliver. You will see a midwife or a nurse practitioner for your care and receive great education and care from our nursing, lab, and support team members.

Childbirth Education

Lamaze

Patients in Lamaze classes at the Health Department enjoy a time of fellowship, fun and learning in 4 sessions during their third trimesters. Patients learn about pain control during labor, good nutrition, exercise during pregnancy, how to handle common discomforts during pregnancy, possible complications during labor and delivery and what to expect if you have a complication, options for how to feed your baby - including information on how to register for a breastfeeding class offered by our WIC department, newborn care, child safety and more. We have four energetic and dynamic certified childbirth instructors to make this class worth your time! Lamaze class dates are based on your due date - so call 704-862-5301 right after your first visit with us to schedule your classes!

More information: Lamaze Class Registration Form (PDF).

Breastfeeding Class

If you are even thinking about whether you want to breastfeed or not - this class, offered by our WIC program, is for you! Call 704-853-5100 to sign up!