Maternity Care
Maternity care is the care of a woman and her baby during pregnancy, delivery, and the first few days after delivery. The type and amount of care can vary depending on the risk level of the pregnancy and the delivery method. Your maternity care team may include an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), family medicine doctor, and midwife. You will find these providers at hospitals, clinics, birthing centers, and private practice.
Reasons for maternity care
High quality maternity care is key for getting yourself and your baby safely through pregnancy and delivery. The two main reasons for seeking maternity care include:
- Reducing the risk of complications in mom by preventing, diagnosing and treating maternal conditions. Examples include gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
- Reducing the risk of infant complications by preventing, diagnosing and treating fetal conditions. Examples include fetal alcohol syndrome and birth defects, such as spina bifida and congenital heart disease.
- Reducing risks and complications during delivery for both mom and baby by managing unanticipated problems. Examples include prolonged labor and fetal distress.
- Managing high-risk pregnancies. Examples include multiple gestations and problems with the baby’s presentation, such as breech or shoulder first.
What maternity care offers
Maternity care programs may off any of the following services:
- Family planning including health tips for getting pregnant
- Labor and delivery care including vaginal births and C-section (Cesarean section) deliveries
- Pregnancy care including childbirth classes
- Prenatal testing including ultrasound and other routine tests as well as specialized testing for high-risk pregnancies
What to expect
Providers will tailor maternity care services to meet each woman’s needs. The number and frequency of services will vary depending on your risk level. Services range from basic care for uncomplicated pregnancies to complex care for high-risk pregnancies. This may include working with specialists, such as a maternal-fetal medicine doctor or neonatologist.
