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Low-Risk Pregnancies

The majority of pregnancies are considered low-risk. This means that there are no active complications and that there are no maternal or fetal factors that place the pregnancy at increased risk for complications. The obstetrical care providers at UCSF care for many patients with low-risk pregnancies. Both physicians and certified nurse midwives provide this care to patients. A physician or midwife may also perform the delivery.

One of the key benefits of low-risk obstetrical care by the UCSF providers is that should the need arise, high-risk care can be provided seamlessly. This is because high-risk specialists work side-by-side with other providers, as one team. This is a real advantage, both as an outpatient or inpatient.

In addition to nationally and internationally recognized obstetrical faculty, patients also benefit from the UCSF Betty Irene Moore Women's Hospital at the UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay. The Labor and Delivery Suite is family and patient oriented in character. All equipment is state of the art, and staff have the highest level of training and experience, but without losing their personal touch.

Laboring patients are cared for in large comfortable LDR (labor, delivery and recovery) rooms with spectacular views. Then patients are transferred to private hospital rooms for the remainder of their stay.

A large team of physicians and nurses with training in Obstetrics, Anesthesia and Pediatrics, many with subspecialty certifications, are available 24 hours a day to take care of any emergency situation. Although this type of care is unlikely to be needed it is reassuring to know it would always be immediately available.

Prenatal services are available at three UCSF Women’s Health sites: Mission Bay, Mt. Zion, and Serramonte. For an appointment at Mission Bay Owens Street practice, please call 415-353-4600; for the other three practice locations, please call 415-353-2566.

An exciting program in prenatal care is the CenteringPregnancy® Program. This program expands prenatal care by bringing women out of exam rooms and into groups for their care. The CenteringPregnancy® Program is available at our Mt. Zion and Serramonte practices.