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Pregnancy and Related Conditions

Pregnancy can be an exciting time in a woman’s life. But it can also create stress due to complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or preterm labor.

Pregnant woman at home

Types of Diseases

  • Pregnancy
  • Preeclampsia
  • Gestational Diabetes
  • Preterm Labor
  • Miscarriage

Pregnancy and Related Conditions Facts and Stats

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times of a woman’s life. It can also be a stressful time, due to complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or miscarriage. Here’s what you need to know.

  • In 2014, preterm birth, defined as birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, affected about 1 in 10 infants born in the United States, putting these babies at higher risk for serious disability and death.
  • Scientists estimate that preeclampsia affects 5 to 10 percent of pregnancies worldwide and 3 to 5 percent in the United States. The condition causes 15 percent of premature births and 18 percent of all maternal deaths in the U.S.
  • Gestational diabetes increases risk for high birth weight in babies and increases the mother’s risk for preeclampsia and cesarean birth.
  • Half of all women who have gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.
  • An estimated 10 to 25 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Patient Information

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Find an Obstetrician

Building Your Family

Fertility Services

Our fertility experts can help you address any obstacles to getting pregnant.

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Pregnancy Services

More than 450 Sutter Health network obstetricians take you from conception through birth, handling any problems that arise.

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Family Planning

At the start or end of your child-bearing years, our family planning experts provide the support and services you need.

Ask an Expert

Katarina Lanner-Cusin

Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.

Are there ways that I can help avoid a C-section delivery?

There are times when a C-section birth is unavoidable, due to medical conditions such as placenta previa or a baby in the breech position. Having said that, here are a few tips that may help a mother with a nor... continue reading  about  Are there ways that I can help avoid a C-section delivery?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

How can I get relief from morning sickness?

Morning sickness is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting can occur at any time of the day, despite its name. It usually resolves after 16 weeks of pregnancy. Here are some tips to... continue reading  about  How can I get relief from morning sickness?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?

One of the most common questions asked of an obstetrician is, “ Is it safe to take medication during pregnancy?” The answer is yes, for most over-the-counter drugs, even though they may contain the ... continue reading  about  What medications are safe to take during pregnancy?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

While pregnant, should I "eat for two?"

No. It is a myth that a pregnant woman must "eat for two." Although pregnancy increases the body's need for calories and nutrition, the amounts of calories or specific nutrients you need are NOT doubled. About ... continue reading  about  While pregnant, should I "eat for two?"

Katarina Lanner-Cusin

Katarina Lanner-Cusin, M.D.

I am afraid of having a vaginal birth. Can I request a C-section delivery?

It is normal to be apprehensive about childbirth, whether by vaginal or C-section delivery, especially if you are a first-time mom. A vaginal birth will be supported by nurses and your midwife or your physician... continue reading  about  I am afraid of having a vaginal birth. Can I request a C-section delivery?

Ryszard J. Chetkowski

Ryszard J. Chetkowski, M.D.

Brown & Toland Physicians

I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?

You can get pregnant only around the time of ovulation, which for most women with regular 28-day cycles corresponds to days 12-16. So if your period comes at the expected time and is normal in terms of flow, it... continue reading  about  I've heard that you can't get pregnant during your period. Is this just an old wives tale? Should I be concerned about protection during this time?

Deborah Quinn-Chen

Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Are birth plans necessary?

Formal, written birth plans are not necessary. It is important to think through your wishes for your labor and delivery, but remember that the course of labor can turn out to be quite different than what you ex... continue reading  about  Are birth plans necessary?

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?

From 1,200-1,500 mg of calcium is recommended every day during pregnancy. If you are lactose intolerant, you will need to look for other good sources of calcium, such as legumes (starchy beans), dark green vege... continue reading  about  I don't like and can't tolerate milk and dairy products. How can I add calcium to my diet during pregnancy?

Deborah Quinn-Chen

Deborah Quinn-Chen, M.D.

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Is it okay to have sex during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a normal part of life. During pregnancy a woman is not sick or fragile. It is true there are some restrictions in foods and activities, but for the most part women are encouraged to live a healthy,... continue reading  about  Is it okay to have sex during pregnancy?

Gestational Diabetes Research

Sutter Health Gestational Diabetes Research
Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that typically develops during late pregnancy. Diabetes means your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Your body uses glucose for energy. Too much glucose in your blood is not good for you or your baby. Research into gestational diabetes seeks to understand the cause, improve detection methods and management of the disease, and methods of prevention.

Sutter Health Gestational Diabetes Research Sutter Health Gestational Diabetes Research

Health and Wellness

The Basics of Prenatal Nutrition

Prenatal Nutrition

Review the USDA guidelines for prenatal nutrition to make sure you're on track for a healthy pregnancy.

Prenatal Nutrition

Experts Who Partner With You

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Pregnancy and Childbirth Services

The Sutter Health network includes more than 450 obstetricians with expertise in pregnancy and childbirth. Find the right doctor for you, who can help you through every phase of pregnancy and childbirth.

Doctor Profiles

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site
Elisabeth M. Schleuning, M.D.

Elisabeth M. Schleuning, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Gynecology (only)

Jessica Y. Ing, M.D.

Jessica Y. Ing, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

P. Adam Dodd, M.D.

P. Adam Dodd, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Jeannie L. Pflum, D.O., FACOG

Jeannie L. Pflum, D.O., FACOG

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Jessica M. Lennon, M.D., MPH, FACOG

Jessica M. Lennon, M.D., MPH, FACOG

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Michael Chu, M.D.

Michael Chu, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Catherine Song, M.D.

Catherine Song, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Baotram Nguyen, M.D., FACOG

Baotram Nguyen, M.D., FACOG

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Gynecology (only)

Maxine A. Karimoto, M.D., FACOG

Maxine A. Karimoto, M.D., FACOG

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

View All Related Doctors

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