Health Services

What is Osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is weakening of the bone mass that occurs when your bones lose calcium. About 44 million people in the United States are at risk of developing this disease, which is responsible for more than 2 million broken bones annually. The disease Osteoporosis...

Incontinence Statistics & Stigma Most of the estimated 10 to 15 million Americans with urinary incontinence are older women. This disorder affects between 10 and 35 percent of adults over age 50 and half of all nursing home residents, but it can happen at any age....

A Comprehensive Breast Health Center The Saint Francis Breast Care Center provides education, examinations, testing and treatment at its state-of-the-art facility, which offers both comfort and convenience. The American College of Radiology (ACR) designates the Saint Francis Breast Care Center as a Breast Imaging Center of...

Caring for Women of All Ages From childbirth to menopause and beyond, a woman’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs are constantly changing. However, the need for skilled, compassionate healthcare remains constant. Cape Care for Women in Cape Girardeau addresses women’s lifelong health issues with a comprehensive...

The state-of-the-art Children’s Center at Saint Francis Medical Center provides compassionate, comprehensive care to children of all ages (17 and under) suffering from various illnesses and injuries. Parents can rest assured their children will receive high-quality medical and surgical care from leading specialists who understand...

Support for Individuals and Families Social Services at Saint Francis Medical Center works closely with patients and their family members to improve their overall well-being. Highly trained personnel from Social Services are a resource to patients for various needs, including: Counseling from therapists Education Advocacy Discharge planning Support groups Financial services referrals...

The Level III NICU at Saint Francis Medical Center provides transport services for premature infants and newborns throughout the region. Under most circumstances, babies are flown to Saint Francis Medical Center by ARCH, a regional transportation system of emergency medical helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts serving much...

Leading-Edge Infant Care in Cape Girardeau Caring for premature infants and newborns in a state-of-the-art facility, the highly trained staff in the Level III NICU at Saint Francis Medical Center provides advanced treatments and procedures, including: Antibiotics Drugs used to treat a suspected or identified bacterial infection. Most...

The Level III NICU at Saint Francis Medical Center offers leading-edge treatments for various disorders related to premature infants and newborns, including: Apnea A period of 15–20 seconds when your baby doesn’t breathe, usually related to prematurity. Birth Defects A condition present at birth resulting in an abnormal structure,...

The region’s largest Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between Memphis and St. Louis is located inside the Women & Children's Pavilion at Saint Francis Medical Center. The 18-room, 36-bed Level III NICU is staffed by highly-trained, compassionate caregivers: Board certified, fellowship-trained neonatologists Neonatal nurse practitioners Physical...

The Family BirthPlace at Saint Francis Medical Center offers an array of rewarding childbirth education classes for every step of your journey. Whether this is your first baby or you have experienced the miracle of childbirth before, our step-by-step pregnancy, childbirth and baby classes will...

Many community resources are available that offer support to parents in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, and other areas in southeast Missouri, including: Answers to Parenting Questions Cape Girardeau Public Library, 573-334-5279 Generations Family Resource Center, 573-651-5825 Jackson Public Library, 573-243-8141 Lutheran Family and Children’s Services...

The safety and security of your newborn are shared responsibilities. You, your family and friends and the staff at Saint Francis Medical Center all play an important role. Family BirthPlace Responsibilities Family BirthPlace staff has special ID badges that are different from the staff working in other...

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding as the best food for a baby. Rich in antibodies, breast milk can help protect newborns from bacteria and viruses after they are born. One of the most amazing aspects of a mother’s body is that milk production...

Screenings for Proper Infant Development Saint Francis Medical Center’s Family BirthPlace provides newborn screenings (which require a blood sample) to detect potentially serious health disorders that could lead to developmental disabilities, mental retardation, or death. If and when any of these disorders are detected, the Missouri...

Development and Milestones Your Saint Francis provider will ask questions about your newborn, and he or she will observe the baby to get an idea of the infant’s development. By this visit, your newborn is likely doing some of the following: Blinking at a bright light Trying to...

Medical Care During Labor and Delivery The following are some of the more common medical procedures used at Saint Francis Medical Center during labor and delivery. External Monitoring External monitoring is used on the outside of your body. Two disks are placed on your abdomen. They may be...

Early Signs of Labor You may experience some signs to let you know labor is approaching. They may be noticeable several days or even weeks before your due date: Braxton Hicks, or false labor, contractions prepare the uterus for labor and may cause some effacement (thinning) and...

The healthcare you receive during pregnancy is important for the overall well-being of you and your baby. Expecting mothers who follow prenatal care guidelines supplied by their healthcare providers often deliver healthier babies. Some guidelines for prenatal care: Schedule an appointment with your obstetrician/gynecologist for an...

Every newborn is a blessing, and every birth is unique. Part of our goal at the Family BirthPlace is to encourage your family members to participate throughout your entire pregnancy. Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are part of a major life change, and the process can...