Pregnancy and Prenatal
Pregnancy is one of the most meaningful experiences of your life. The care you receive should match. Our providers deliver expert care, personalized for you. We take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and help you feel informed and confident during this special time.
Pregnancy specialties and services at BJC
Across BJC HealthCare, we provide expert pregnancy care, including specialized high-risk pregnancy services, advanced prenatal screenings, genetic counseling, and compassionate support for every stage of your pregnancy journey.
High-risk pregnancy
Prenatal tests and screenings
Genetic counseling
Maternity care for every stage
No matter where you are in your maternity journey, you can count on BJC.
Family planning
We help you meet your reproductive goals. Our BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine experts provide counseling, education, and contraception in a judgment-free environment.
Labor and delivery
Our goal is to make your delivery a comfortable, and personalized experience. BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine providers—including nurses, midwives, and obstetricians—guide you at every step.
Newborn care
BJC HealthCare and WashU Medicine provide compassionate, expert care for every newborn—from healthy infants to those with complex needs—offering advanced neonatology services, screenings, and family support before and after birth.
Postpartum and recovery
BJC supports your postpartum journey with compassionate care for body and mind, offering lactation guidance, physical recovery services, and mental health support—helping you feel confident, cared for, and ready for life with your baby.
Why choose us for pregnancy care?
At BJC HealthCare, patients have access to expert pregnancy care from WashU Medicine physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver exceptional care. Helping you have a safe, healthy pregnancy is our top priority. At BJC HealthCare, you’ll find dedicated OB-GYNs and midwives who guide you through every aspect of prenatal care.
We offer:
Compassionate care: Pregnancy is a joyful time, but it can also be overwhelming. You likely have a lot of questions and concerns. We take the time to help you feel prepared, informed, and confident about your pregnancy so you can focus on the road ahead.
Highly skilled OB-GYNs: Our team includes board-certified and fellowship-trained obstetrician-gynecologists and physicians who specialize in high-risk pregnancies. They have the depth and breadth of expertise to care for you and your baby, even if you have complex medical concerns.
Specialized diagnostic expertise: Highly trained ultrasound and genetics specialists focus on prenatal and women's health care, meeting or exceeding national standards for expertise, experience, and quality.
Personalized care: Your provider will work with you to help you plan your birth experience, offering various birthing options and methods for managing pain, all while keeping you safe.
Comfortable childbirth centers: No matter which childbirth center you select, you’ll experience the highest level of care before, during, and after your child’s birth. Each features spacious, private birthing suites, accommodations for an overnight guest, in-room dining options, and other services and amenities to help you feel at home.
What are the common symptoms of pregnancy?
Pregnancy symptoms differ among women, though a missed period is often the clearest indicator. Other common early signs include fatigue, tender or swollen breasts, nausea or vomiting, frequent urination, food cravings or aversions, abdominal bloating, and darkening around the nipples.
For reliable confirmation, taking a pregnancy test is the most accurate way to confirm if you’re pregnant. Always consult with a health care provider to confirm an at-home pregnancy test.
Finding a pediatrician
When choosing a pediatrician, you may want to consider the pediatrician's training and experience, as well as the office location, hours, and routines. We recommend that you meet with your pediatrician prior to your baby’s birth, so you can ask any questions and become more familiar with the practice and staff. Some questions to ask include:
- Will your child see the same pediatrician for all visits?
- Do you offer walk-in hours?
- Do you have a nursing phone number we can call for help when the office is closed?
- Are there weekend or evening hours?
- If your child is sick, how long does it take to get an appointment?
- Is this pediatrician listed as a provider on your insurance plan?
- What hospital is the pediatrician affiliated with?
Bereavement support
We offer compassionate bereavement support for those experiencing miscarriage or pregnancy loss. We provide guidance, resources, and care to help families navigate grief and healing.