Prenatal Care

Whether you’re planning to become pregnant or already expecting, there are many things you can do to help minimize pregnancy and delivery complications. These are just some of the ways that women can proactively care for themselves and their developing baby.

• Planning a Pregnancy
  Planning ahead and taking care of yourself before becoming pregnant or while pregnant is the best thing you can do for you and your baby.
  
  
• Prenatal Medical Care
  Once you know you’re pregnant, it’s important to establish a schedule of prenatal care. Also, consider registering for Sharp's childbirth and parenting classes.
  
  
• A Healthy Pregnancy
  A Sharp-affiliated OBGYN answers common questions about how to best have a healthy pregnancy, tips on staying healthy and information about contributing factors in premature births.
  
  
• Pregnancy Tests
  Learn about some of the most common tests performed during each trimester of pregnancy.
  
  
• Gestational and Pregestational Diabetes
  It's important for women who have diabetes prior to or during pregnancy to take added care of themselves to prevent complications, including preeclampsia (toxemia).
  
  
• Medical Conditions and Pregnancy
  Infections during pregnancy — such as urinary tract infections, toxoplasmosis, food poisoning and sexually transmitted infections — can pose a threat to both mother and baby.
  
  
• Pregnancy Tools and Calculators
  Use our simple calculators to track your ovulation, estimate your due date and record fetal movement.
  
  
• Pregnant With Multiples
  Whether expecting twins, triplets or more, it's important for expectant mothers to know the symptoms, potential complications and how to best manage a special pregnancy.
  
  
• Risks to Pregnancy
  Learn about external risk factors that could pose a threat to your developing baby. Also, find out what medications are safest for pregnant women, but always check with your doctor before taking any medication.
  
  
• Warning Signs During Pregnancy
  These are just a few of the warning signs that pregnant women should report to their physician immediately.
  
  
• Maternity Preadmission Form
  If you are delivering a baby at a Sharp hospital, you need to fill out the Maternity Preadmission Form before the day comes to deliver your baby.
  
  
• Cord Blood Banking
  Your baby's umbilical cord blood is a rich source of special blood cells called stem cells, which are the building blocks for blood, organs, tissue and the immune system, and they are genetically unique to each baby. Learn about the opportunity to save your baby's umbilical cord stem cells via cord blood banking.
  
  
• Preparing for Your Hospital Visit
  Use this helpful guide as you prepare for your labor and delivery at a Sharp hospital, including information on car seat safety, where to park and our list of packing suggestions.

Find a San Diego OBGYN
To find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego OBGYN or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

For More OBGYN, Pregnancy and Childbirth Information
To find general information about pregnancy and childbirth, visit Pregnancy and Childbirth in Adult Health or read the Pregnancy and Childbirth News archive.