Health Care & Services for Pregnancy in Arizona

Pregnancy is a time of great change. It’s common to feel nervous, excited, and scared. It’s normal to have questions. Health care providers who specialize in pregnancy partner with women during this time of transition. They provide support, guidance, and specialized medical care. 

At Dignity Health of Arizona, we are here for you during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Our Family Birth Centers are well-known for their dedication to the health and education of expectant moms and their partners. Learn more about our Birth Centers at: 

Call 844.898.8079 to schedule a tour of one of our Birth Centers, or register for birthing classes near you.

 

Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms

Signs of pregnancy include:

  • Missed period
  • Mood swings 
  • Morning sickness
  • Positive at-home pregnancy test 

 

Prenatal Testing

Most pregnant women work with an obstetrician-gynecologist, a family medicine doctor, or a certified nurse midwife. Throughout your pregnancy, your healthcare provider will carefully monitor your health as well as your baby’s health. There are many screening and diagnostic tests available. 

Common prenatal tests include: 

  • First trimester screening to determine the likelihood your baby has certain chromosomal disorders
  • Nuchal translucency screening to assess the probability your baby will have Down syndrome
  • Pregnancy ultrasound to determine the baby’s due date and assess the baby’s development 
  • Amniocentesis to confirm or rule out certain genetic disorders and infections
  • Biophysical profile to check the baby’s health and well-being in the third trimester of pregnancy

 

Pregnancy Services

Some women may need, or want, additional care and services. Common pregnancy services include:

  • Childbirth classes to help couples learn about pregnancy and birth
  • Breastfeeding services, including breastfeeding classes that can be taken during pregnancy
  • Lamaze classes, a type of childbirth class that teaches couples techniques to manage labor and birth 
  • Maternal-fetal medicine, which is specialized care for women who have pregnancy complications or pre-existing health conditions

 

Pregnancy Complications

A pregnancy complication is a health problem that occurs during pregnancy. Pregnancy complications include:

  • High-risk pregnancy, a pregnancy in which the mother or the child are at increased risk for medical complications
  • Ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus 
  • Preeclampsia, a marked elevation in maternal blood pressure that usually reverses following childbirth
  • Placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta covers or partially covers the mother’s cervix
  • Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, a common pregnancy complication which may or may not signal a serious problem
  • Gestational diabetes, which is elevated blood sugar levels that could potentially harm mother and newborn

Prenatal care during pregnancy increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy and birth. Your health care provider will help you understand the options available to you and make recommendations for additional pregnancy services specific to your needs. 

Dignity Health offers specialized care and services for pregnancy in Arizona.

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