Trusted Prenatal, Pregnancy & Postnatal Services at Dignity Health

Prenatal, pregnancy, and postnatal (also called postpartum) services are provided to women who are pregnant or have just delivered a baby. This type of care is offered at Dignity Health by expert doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals, and it is a critical step in ensuring the continued health of you and your newborn. 

Our women’s health team is dedicated to delivering exceptional care to every patient we see. To learn more about our prenatal, pregnancy, and postnatal services in the Sacramento region, schedule an appointment with a highly trained OB/GYN at Dignity Health at one of our Family Birth Centers. Find a Doctor near you today.

Reasons for Prenatal, Pregnancy & Postnatal Services

Our advanced prenatal and pregnancy services focus on improving or maintaining a woman’s health and that of her baby during pregnancy. Regular prenatal care improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy, successful delivery, and thriving newborn baby.

An appointment with a Dignity Health doctor, nurse, and midwife may focus on issues such as:

• Nutrition
• Weight gain
• Fetal growth and movement
• Managing the mother’s pre-existing medical conditions or ones that may have developed during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or hypertension
• Testing for genetic diseases that may affect the baby, and infections such as group B streptococcus
• Newborn and infant care

Postnatal services generally focus on the mother’s physical and psychological health during the postpartum period, a minimum of six weeks after delivery.

A postpartum checkup may include an examination and questions about:

• Post-delivery vaginal discharge
• Breastfeeding, if the mother is nursing
• If the mother is getting adequate support
• Nutrition and weight loss
• Health issues that existed before the pregnancy or began during the pregnancy
• Screening for postpartum depression

Both during and after the pregnancy, our professionals may refer women to various social services, such as support for nutrition and breastfeeding.

What to Expect at Dignity Health

During your first prenatal appointment, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination to verify your pregnancy and how far along you are, and to assess your overall health. You will be asked about your medical and family history, any medical treatments you are receiving, and any health problems you have experienced since you became pregnant. You may be advised about taking vitamins or supplements, and you may be sent for further testing, such as genetic screening.

This appointment is the best time to ask questions about the type of care you will receive during and after your pregnancy. Your doctor can explain to you whether they will deliver the baby themselves, as well as information about any tests.

Pregnancy can be one of the most joyful experiences in a woman’s life, but all parents should be aware of potential problems. With regular prenatal and postnatal care provided by Dignity Health, you can reduce your risk of complications and keep your family healthy throughout your pregnancy and beyond.