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Our mission is to provide community-centered prenatal care and health education to medically indigent, pregnant women in the tricounty area
What we do
Comprehensive, accessible, and affordable prenatal care as well as health education are the best ways to improve pregnancy outcomes. They are also the foundation of a healthy pregnancy, a safe birth, a nurturing family and a viable community.
Our goal is to reduce illness and death associated with the prenatal (pregnancy) and perinatal (around the time of birth) periods. Specifically, the clinic aims to reduce the number of low birth-weight infants and the rate of newborn mortality.
Our Free of Cost Services Include
Prenatal care
Our medical providers will monitor your future baby’s development and do routine testing to help find and prevent possible problems.
These regular checkups are also a great time to learn how to ease any discomfort you may have and ask any other questions about your pregnancy and the birth of your future baby.
Non Stress Tests
The non-stress test (NST) is a third trimester check of your baby’s well-being. An NST measures fetal heart rate and response to movement in the third trimester, ensuring your baby is doing well and receiving sufficient oxygen. Learn More
Prenatal labs
Certain lab tests are part of routine care during pregnancy. Some of these tests are done with a blood sample. Others use a urine sample or a sample of fluid taken from your vagina, cervix, or rectum. These tests can help find conditions that may increase the risk of complications for you and your fetus. Many problems found by these tests can be treated during pregnancy. Learn More
Ultrasounds
All first trimester ultrasounds are performed on site. We have a ultrasound technician that performs second trimester anatomy scans, however there is always a waiting list and if there is overflow we will refer you to low cost options.
Carrier and Genetic Screening
We offer Non Invasive prenatal genetic screening through the patient assistance program with Myriad Gentics. Patients are able to obtain no cost cell free DNA testing for the most common chromosomal anomalies.
Carrier screenings can show if you or your partner carry a gene for a certain disorder, such as cystic fibrosis.
Referral for high risk pregnancies
All high-risk pregnancies are referred to Roper Saint Francis Maternal Fetal program. Some cases are co managed and some may require full transfer, once referred payment options and billing issues have to be discussed with RSFH.
All patients are transferred at 32 weeks to the Transition clinic of Roper Saint Francis to have a smooth pathway for delivery. Making sure all paperwork needed for no-cost delivery is completed and if repeat C-sections or inductions are needed then scheduling is taken care of at appropriate time.
Frequently asked questions
Partnership With Roper Saint Francis Health System
Roper St. Francis Healthcare has partnered with Shifa Free Clinic to provide the best care. To help expecting parents prepare, Roper St. Francis Healthcare has an easy to use app called My RSFH Baby. My RSFH Baby app includes the following features, and more:
- Pregnancy tracker to follow baby’s week-by-week growth and development
- Online registration for our expectant family classes and hospital tours
- Education and resources for every stage of your pregnancy through postpartum care
- A hospital packing list, kick counter, contraction timer and other useful tools to help you track and plan
- Information about our locations and tips for what to expect during your hospital stay
How do I become a patient?
Please fill out our Adult Intake Form and attach all necessary paperwork. Once your completed application is received, we will contact you with an appointment date and time.
Where will I deliver?
All patients are encouraged to fill out an Emergency Medicaid application. Once approved, you can choose the hospital you would prefer for delivery. We highly recommend Roper St. Francis Healthcare . You can take a virtual tour of their facility in this video.
What happens after hours and in emergencies?
You will be referred to the OB-Emergency Department located here at Bon Secours St. Francis. You will enter through the same women’s entrance and will be directed accordingly. The OBED is open 24/7 and staffed by our laborists. You will be provided number to call after hours on your prenatal card.
Where can I find some additional resources?
Roper St. Francis offers Childbirth & New Parent Education, In Person Classes, and E-Books. Click here to access these.
Celebrating Healthy Beginnings at Our Free Clinic
