Care for you and your baby through every stage of pregnancy.

Pregnancy brings excitement, changes and plenty of questions. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or growing your family, Eastern Iowa Health Center’s Women’s Health team is here to care for you throughout your pregnancy and help you prepare for childbirth and life with your new baby.

Our OB/GYN physicians, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners, nurses and care team work together to provide personalized prenatal care focused on the health and well-being of both you and your baby.

Think You May Be Pregnant?

If you have a positive pregnancy test or think you may be pregnant, contact our Women’s Health team to get started.

We’ll help you determine your next steps and schedule the appropriate first appointment.

Call 319.730.7300 to schedule a pregnancy visit.

Your First Prenatal Visits

Early prenatal care gives you and your healthcare team an opportunity to learn about your health, establish your pregnancy care plan and begin monitoring your baby’s development.

During your early visits, your care team may:

• Review your medical and pregnancy history

• Discuss medications and supplements

• Estimate your due date

• Order recommended laboratory tests and screenings

• Talk about prenatal vitamins and nutrition

• Discuss activity and healthy habits during pregnancy

• Review symptoms and what to expect

• Discuss available prenatal testing

• Answer your questions

• Connect you with additional resources or support when needed

Every pregnancy is different. Your provider will recommend care based on your health, pregnancy and individual needs.

What Happens at Prenatal Visits?

Regular prenatal visits allow your healthcare team to monitor your health and your baby’s growth and development throughout pregnancy.

Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, appointments may include:

• Checking your blood pressure and weight

• Monitoring your baby’s growth

• Listening to your baby’s heartbeat when appropriate

• Recommended laboratory testing and screenings

• Ultrasound or other testing when appropriate

• Discussing symptoms or changes you’re experiencing

• Preparing for labor and delivery

• Talking about feeding your baby

• Planning for postpartum care

• Answering your questions and concerns

Appointments generally become more frequent as you get closer to your due date. Your healthcare provider will create a prenatal visit schedule based on your individual pregnancy and healthcare needs.

Supporting a Healthy Pregnancy

There is a lot to think about during pregnancy—and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Your Women’s Health team can help you understand topics including:

• Prenatal vitamins

• Nutrition during pregnancy

• Physical activity and exercise

• Medications during pregnancy

• Healthy weight gain

• Common pregnancy symptoms

• Sleep

• Travel

• Recommended vaccines

• Prenatal testing

• Preparing for childbirth

• Breastfeeding and infant feeding

• Postpartum health

Bring your questions to your appointments. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Preparing for Your Third Trimester

As you enter the final months of pregnancy, visits focus increasingly on preparing you and your baby for delivery.

Your healthcare team will talk with you about what to expect during the third trimester, signs of labor, preparing for childbirth and what happens after your baby arrives.

Eastern Iowa Health Center also has a Third Trimester Guide to help you prepare for weeks 28–40 of pregnancy.

VIEW THE THIRD TRIMESTER GUIDE

What If My Pregnancy Is High Risk?

Some pregnancies require additional monitoring or specialized care.

Your Women’s Health provider will evaluate your individual health and pregnancy needs. If you need services beyond those available through Eastern Iowa Health Center, your care team can coordinate or refer you for appropriate specialty care.

Continue working with your EIHC provider so your healthcare team can help coordinate your care throughout your pregnancy.

Preparing for Life After Delivery

Pregnancy care doesn’t end when your baby is born.

Your healthcare team will also help you prepare for the postpartum period and can talk with you about:

• Physical recovery after childbirth

• Emotional and mental health

• Breastfeeding and infant feeding

• Birth control and family planning

• Postpartum appointments

• Caring for yourself while caring for your new baby

And when your baby arrives, our Pediatrics team is here to support your child’s health, growth and development from the very beginning.

Pregnancy Resources

Have questions between appointments? Explore our pregnancy resources for additional information about caring for yourself and preparing for your baby.