Pregnancy and Prenatal Care
First Trimester
The first trimester is week 1 through 12 of pregnancy. Learn what to expect, including your baby's growth, common side effects and how to manage your overall health.
Find a Provider
Establish care with an OB/GYN or midwife provider
You’ll see your healthcare provider a lot during your pregnancy, so choose a care team you trust and enjoy. Most pregnant women have 10 to 15 prenatal visits.
Tour a Birthing Center
Schedule a tour of a birthing center near you
We know each birth experience is unique and special. When you deliver at one of our many hospitals, you have access to a full spectrum of maternity services and support to meet your every need. Find a location near you to schedule a free, personal tour or experience a virtual tour online.
Talk About Finances
Learn about billing, payments and options related to your delivery costs
At UnityPoint Health, we’re here for you every step of the way. You're more than just a name on a bill. To make sure you understand any costs associated with your care, patients are offered a price estimate for upcoming delivery at one of our many locations - with or without insurance coverage. We also offer financial assistance and financial counseling services, so you have the information you need to keep your health on point.
Second Trimester
The second trimester is week 13 through 26 of pregnancy. Learn what to expect, including your baby's growth and first fetal movement, your first ultrasound, common side effects and how to manage your overall health.
Find a Pediatrician or Family Medicine Provider
Establish care with a provider for your new baby
Our team of pediatric providers specialize in children’s health and offer a wide range of services to help keep your child healthy and happy. We focus on the physical, mental and social development of babies all the way to teenagers. Once you've established care, you can manage both you and your newborn's health records in the MyUnityPoint patient portal.
Pre-Register Your Delivery
Fill out our online pre-registration form
Prepare early by pre-registering your delivery online about 18-20 weeks into your pregnancy. You'll be asked for basic contact and health information, which hospital you'd like to deliver at, insurance details and any special delivery day needs or requests.
Sign Up for Birth Classes
Find a birth class near you
Many of our locations host free or paid birth classes and events that provide medical guidance to encourage a healthy pregnancy. Browse a variety of classes offered by UnityPoint Health and our partners, including on-demand and virtual options.
Third Trimester
The third trimester is week 27 through the end of pregnancy, typically week 40. Learn more about what to expect during the third trimester, including your baby's growth, common side effects and how to recognize signs of labor.
Continue Prenatal Appointments
Continue your OB/GYN, midwife or family medicine provider appointment schedule
Typically, an expecting mother will visit with a healthcare 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.
Explore Breastfeeding Services
Find breastfeeding and lactation support near you
In additional to postpartum classes, many of our locations offer breastfeeding and lactation services. Our qualified lactation services staff provides extensive breastfeeding education and support. Following the birth of your baby, our lactation specialists will answer any questions you may have and provide support to best meet your breastfeeding goals. Contact your birth center to find out what lactation specialist services are available.
Prepare for Labor
Know the signs & symptoms
Know what to expect during labor by learning the signs and symptoms of labor, false labor, pre-term labor and when to contact your provider. Feel better and prepare for the unexpected by being educated and aware of the common complications that could possibly occur during labor.
"Fourth" Trimester (Postpartum)
The fourth trimester is the 12 first weeks after giving birth. Learn what to expect during the first weeks, including baby's health and how to manage your overall health postpartum.
NICU Babies
Specialized care in case your baby needs it
Babies may be sent to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) if they're born prematurely, have difficulties during delivery or show signs of a problem in their first days of life. UnityPoint Health's Neonatal Intensive Care Units offer equipment designed specifically for infants with staff specially trained in newborn care and conditions to provide in-hospital 24/7 coverage.
Pelvic Floor Therapy
A Critical Part of Postpartum
Many women may benefit from pelvic floor therapy after pregnancy. These therapy sessions are unique to the pelvic floor, and include the use of strengthening exercise, quieting/relaxation techniques and lifestyle modifications. Learn what services are available near you by exploring our therapy and rehabilitation locations.
Manage Your Mental Health
You are not alone
Women go through a lot of emotional and physical changes when having a baby. Mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety impact about 15 to 20 percent of all women who give birth.