Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period of approximately 41 weeks during which a woman carries a fetus inside of her. In most cases, the fetus grows inside the uterus (womb). Pregnancy is measured from the last menstrual period to the birth of the child or children. Pregnancy typically lasts just over nine months and is divided into trimesters. The first trimester includes weeks 1-12 and begins with conception, which occurs when the sperm from a man penetrates and fertilizes the egg from a woman’s ovary. The fertilized egg passes through the fallopian tube to the uterus and implants itself on the uterine wall. Cells of the fertilized egg (zygote) form the fetus and the placenta. The fetus develops with nutrients and oxygen from the placenta. In the second trimester (weeks 13-28), the fetus’ sex typically becomes known. At about the 20th week, the woman will begin to feel movement from the fetus. The third trimester spans weeks 29-40. Infants born before the 37th week of pregnancy are considered pre-term babies and are at increased risk for developmental delays and other problems. Babies born in the 27th and 28th weeks of pregnancy are called early-term babies. Infants born at 41 weeks through 41 weeks and six days are considered late-term babies, and infants born at 42 weeks and beyond are called post-term babies.

Why UAB

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology provides comprehensive women's health care services in a private and personal environment, with physicians dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the most advanced care available. UAB's Gynecology program is consistently ranked among the best of its kind in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Should the need arise, UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology physicians have immediate access to specialists and subspecialists who focus on a wide range of complex conditions and treatments. From infertility and high-risk pregnancies to female incontinence and gynecologic cancers, our specialized expertise is available when you need it and is supported by some of the nation’s best medical minds. Our commitment to prompt and personalized service means decreased wait times for our patients and a seamless transition from your primary care physician to your specialist.

Images and Videos

See how UAB Maternal-Fetal Medicine helped two moms with a high-risk pregnancy.

The UAB Women and Infants Center

Watch Heather and Gary Lee's story of the help they received at UAB during their high risk pregnancy.

PHYSICIANS

Thomas H. Howard, MD

Margaret M. Boozer, MD

Brian P. Gleason, MD

Jacqueline P. Hancock, MD

Kimberly Hoover, MD

Todd Jenkins, MD

Chere' M.L. Stewart, MD

Ashley D. Wright, MD

Janeen Arbuckle, MD

Sara E. Mazzoni, MD

Audra Williams, MD

High Risk Pregnancy

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of pregnancy. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials