Maternity and Newborn Care
Congratulations on your pregnancy! You deserve the very best for you and your baby. We are so glad you are considering UnityPoint Health for this exciting time. Our comprehensive birth care services provide individualized care, support and education throughout pregnancy, delivery and recovery. We believe in a family-centered approach to birth care. Our team is here to respond to your needs with the highest level of skill, professionalism and compassion.
Our Birthing Centers
We know each birth experience is unique and special. At UnityPoint Health, you have access to a full spectrum of maternity services and support to meet your every need. From pre-registering for your delivery and choosing the best birth and baby care classes for you, to touring the location where you will have your baby, our entire care team works together to support you. See the specific maternity services offered at our hospitals below.
- UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital (Waterloo, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital (Dubuque, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center (Grinnell, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center (Des Moines, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital (Madison, WI)
- UnityPoint Health – Methodist West Hospital (West Des Moines, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's Hospital (Cedar Rapids, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – St. Luke's Hospital (Sioux City, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – Trinity Bettendorf Hospital (Bettendorf, IA)
- UnityPoint Health – Trinity Moline Hospital (Moline, IL)
- UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center (Fort Dodge, IA)
Prenatal Appointments
You will see your healthcare provider a lot during your pregnancy. That is why it is important you choose someone you enjoy and trust. Most pregnant women have 10 to 15 prenatal visits.
Typically, an expecting mother will visit with a health care provider every four weeks until 28 weeks, then every two weeks until 36 weeks, and then weekly until the baby is born. However, the number of times you visit your healthcare provider may vary because of your medical history or pregnancy complications.
The ultimate goal of prenatal appointments is to see how your pregnancy is proceeding and to ensure you and your baby are healthy. It's also an opportunity to provide you with additional information and to answer any of questions or concerns. Your health care provider will check your weight, urine and blood pressure; check the position of your baby, measure your abdomen, listen to your baby's heartbeat, and perform other exams or tests as needed.
After your healthcare provider is done with the physical examination, they will review their findings with you. It's important to understand and expect normal changes as your pregnancy proceeds and to know what warning signs to look for. To have a healthy baby it's important to make appropriate lifestyle choices, including eating healthy and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Most women find their prenatal appointments are over in just 10 minutes. While sometimes disappointing, this is a sure sign you and your baby are healthy and right on track. If you're concerned about not getting enough time to accurately voice your feelings to your healthcare provider, write down a few questions or concerns before you go into your appointment to make sure your questions or concerns are addressed. By doing this, you will be more likely to remember to ask any questions or share any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Preparing for Your Baby
Whether you are pregnant with your first baby or expecting your fourth, we are here to care for you throughout your pregnancy, delivery and after your baby's birth. The following information is meant to give you a good overview of what to expect during pregnancy and some of the things you should be thinking about.
- Establish Care With A Provider
- Schedule a tour of a Maternity Center
- Complete Your Hospital Pre-Registration
- Sign Up for Birth and Baby Care Classes
- Choose a Provider for Your Baby
- Pack your Hospital Bag