Obstetrics Services

Caring for Baby Before Arrival

It's natural to have many questions about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and caring for a newborn. The team at Carondelet Health Network has experience in maternity care, labor and delivery and women's health. Don't delay care for your health when you are pregnant. We are here for you and your family.

It's important to take care of your baby before their arrival. Aside from having a healthy lifestyle and regular visits to your OBGYN doctor, you can take tests to help you and your OBGYN doctor see how your baby is developing and if there are problems with your pregnancy. These tests may include:

• Ultrasound tests to see how your baby is growing and help establish a due date
• Glucose tests to check for gestational diabetes
• Blood test to check for normal fetal DNA in your blood
• Fetal echocardiography to check the baby's heart
• Amniocentesis to check for congenital disabilities and genetic problems
• Nuchal translucency test (vaginal ultrasound) to check for problems with the baby's genes
• Tests to check for sexually transmitted disease
• Blood type testing such as Rh and ABO
• Blood tests for anemia
• Blood tests to follow any chronic illness you had before becoming pregnant

What to Expect During Pregnancy?

Although having a baby is exciting and life-changing, early pregnancy symptoms can be uncomfortable. Pregnant women must put an emphasis on self-care as they navigate their pregnancy journey. Below are some of the most common side effects of pregnancy and what you can do to manage or find relief:

• Morning sickness – characterized by nausea and vomiting anytime during the day or night. Tip: Avoid greasy, spicy or acidic foods and try eating small but frequent meals daily.
• Tiredness – pregnant women tire more easily and more often. Tip: Take naps as much as you can and get enough rest.
• Leg cramps –painful, involuntary muscle spasms in the calf, foot, or both are common during early pregnancy. Tip: Exercise regularly and include a stretching routine.
• Constipation – due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, your digestive system slows down, making it challenging to move your bowels normally, which can lead to hemorrhoids. Tip: Drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and bran cereal.
• Incontinence – the pressure on your bladder increases as your baby grows and causes you to urinate more often when pregnant. Tip: Do Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles of your pelvic floor.
• Varicose veins – swelling in your legs is common during pregnancy, which makes the varicose veins in your lower body more noticeable. Tip: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods and wear support or compression hose to ease or prevent varicose veins.
• Moodiness – pregnancy can wreak havoc on your hormones and cause elevated happiness and depression or anxiety. Tip: Mood swings are normal during pregnancy, but if you are experiencing extended periods of sadness, get help immediately.
• Heartburn – food stays in the stomach and bowels longer during pregnancy. Tip: Eat small but frequent meals; avoid spicy, greasy or acidic foods; and don't lie down after meals.
• Yeast infections – you may notice more vaginal discharge while pregnant, which can cause yeast infections. Tip: Certain vaginal discharge can cause preterm labor. Call your provider if you see any unusual discharge or if it has a foul odor.
• Bleeding gums – the tissues in the nose and gums get dry for some pregnant women, which causes blood vessels to dilate. Tip: Brush and floss regularly and see your dentist for cleanings.
• Stuffy nose – nosebleeds and a stuffy nose are common during pregnancy due to changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen. Tip: Use a humidifier to decrease dryness of the nose or sinuses and saline nasal spray to protect the lining of the nose.
• Edema – swelling in the legs increases as you get closer to childbirth. Tip: Rest with your legs up and sleep on your left side to encourage blood flow from your legs back to your heart.
• Skin changes – having stretch marks and darkening of the areolas are common during pregnancy. Most marks usually fade or lighten after giving birth. Tip: Apply lotion with shea butter on your body to help keep your skin moist and reduce itchy, dry skin.  

When to See an OB/GYN?

No two pregnancies are the same. Schedule at least one appointment with your OBGYN doctor during your first 12 weeks of pregnancy or when you find out you're pregnant. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need to see your OBGYN doctor more often and have additional tests.

• Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy and birth. Call your OBGYN doctor immediately if you have or experience any of the following:
• Vaginal bleeding
• Sudden or extreme swelling of your face or fingers
• Headaches that are severe or won't go away
• Nausea and vomiting that won't go away
• Dizziness
• Dim or blurry vision
• Severe pain or cramps in your lower abdomen
• Chills or fever
• A change in your baby's movements
• Less urine or burning when you urinate
• An illness or infection
• Physical or severe emotional trauma
• Ruptured membrane (or when your water breaks)
• If you are in the last half of your pregnancy and notice the baby is moving less or not at all
• Any other symptoms that bother you

Other reasons you may need to see your OBGYN doctor for consultation include:

• If you take medicines for diabetes, thyroid disease, seizures, depression or high blood pressure or any other medical condition.
• If you are not getting prenatal care.
• If you cannot manage common pregnancy complaints without medicines.
• If you might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, chemicals, radiation or unusual pollutants.

Labor and Delivery

Now that you are past the mood swings and morning sickness, it is time to plan for your baby's birth day. For most women in labor, contractions start before their water breaks (or when the amniotic sac that surrounds your baby breaks or ruptures). Sometimes, OBGYN doctors have to rupture the amniotic sac if the cervix is already dilated. Talk with your OBGYN doctor about what to expect during labor and delivery. Some things you would like to discuss before childbirth include:

• How you want to manage pain during labor, including whether to have an epidural block?
• How you feel about episiotomy?
• What would happen if you needed a C-section?
• What you think about forceps delivery or vacuum-assisted delivery?
• Who you want with you during delivery?

A birth plan can help you communicate your wishes to your OBGYN doctor and staff about handling labor and delivery.

OB/GYN Services Available Through Carondelet Health Network

Are you looking for an OBGYN doctor in Tucson? Let us help you prepare for your child's birth day with comprehensive maternity care services. Our healthcare services at Carondelet Health Network focus specifically on the care and treatment of women before and during pregnancy, during childbirth and following the recovery period.

Find an OB/GYN at Carondelet Health Network

A healthy pregnancy can pave the way to lasting health for both mother and baby. Choosing an OBGYN doctor to guide you throughout your pregnancy, childbirth and beyond is crucial. Whether you are a young woman thinking about starting a family, an expecting mother, or a post-menopausal, we are here for you in every phase of your life.

Call 833-290-7168 to Schedule an Appointment