Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the period of time when 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 usually lasts just over nine months (about 41 weeks) 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. In the second trimester (weeks 13-28), the sex of the fetus usually can be determined. 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 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 choose UAB Medicine

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete health care for women, provided by physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available.

As part of the UAB Division of Women’s Reproductive Healthcare, our program provides services ranging from complete obstetric care to the medical and surgical treatment of complex gynecological problems. UAB Medicine is an academic medical center that conducts clinical research trials, so patients may have access to promising new treatments not available elsewhere. Our physicians are always here for you, from your first routine gynecologic exam and delivering your baby to helping guide you through menopause.

Care Providers

Janeen Arbuckle, MD, PhD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Margaret Boozer, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Fran Burgan, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Kim Hoover, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Leigh Lorino, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Katy Ashley Orr, CRNP Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Shweta Patel, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Kathy Robinson, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Curry Biggio, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Deepti Sharma, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Whitney Sharp, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology Sima Baalbaki, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Chere' Stewart, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Bethany Tidwell, CRNP Obstetrics and Gynecology

Videos

Resources

• Prenatal Care Book
• What to Pack for Labor and Delivery
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• American Pregnancy Association
• National Institutes of Health – Pregnancy
• Warning Signs of Post-Birth Complications

Related Specialties

• Comprehensive Addiction in Pregnancy Program
• Infertility
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
• Male Infertility
• Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Services
• Transplant Services
• Vasectomy Reversal
• Women & Infants Services