Maternity Services

Having a baby is one of life’s most meaningful milestones.

At UCI Health, you receive personalized maternity care supported by advanced specialists and technology, so you and your baby are cared for throughout every stage of pregnancy, delivery and recovery. 

Recognition for our quality of obstetrics care

At UCI Health, we focus on providing a safe, comfortable birth experience for mother and baby.

Why choose UCI Health for maternity care?

Personalized care for every pregnancy 

Whether your pregnancy is routine or medically complex, your care is personalized to your needs and supported by experienced obstetric specialists. 

Advanced care for high-risk pregnancies

As Orange County's only academic health system, UCI Health provides access to maternal-fetal medicine specialists, fetal therapy and coordinated care for complex pregnancies. 

Care that supports your birth goals

We believe every family deserves a birth experience that is safe, personalized and supported. Our Baby-Friendly designation, support for VBAC and evidence-based labor practices reflect our commitment to helping you achieve the healthiest possible birth experience while respecting your preferences. 

Expert newborn care when it matters most 

If your baby needs special care, our Level III NICU and neonatal specialists are available to provide advanced treatment immediately after birth. 

A connected system of maternity care 

Choose from multiple UCI Health birth locations while benefiting from one coordinated maternity program and access to specialized services when needed. 

Childbirth education

Approaching childbirth is an exciting time.

UCI Health offers childbirth education programs and maternity tours to help you, your partner and your family prepare for the arrival of your baby.

Our in-depth classes also help you make decisions about anesthesia, medications and other processes so you can prepare a personal birth plan. We also offer classes for breastfeeding, newborn care and more.

Our approach to maternity care

At UCI Health, our goal is to provide you with the support you and your baby need throughout pregnancy, delivery, and the weeks after birth.  

No matter where you choose to give birth, your care team works closely with you to create a birth plan that reflects your medical needs, preferences and family support system.   

• Pre-pregnancy planning 
• Genetic counseling and testing 
• Prenatal care and monitoring
• Childbirth education programs
• Labor and delivery services
• Postpartum care and recovery support
• Maternal mental health services with our psychiatry department

Maternity genetic testing

All parents hope for a healthy baby, free from any disorders or conditions. It's normal to worry.

Knowing the family history of both you and your baby's father will allow your healthcare provider to anticipate certain problems that can be minimized with proper care.

Prenatal tests

There are prenatal tests for more than 800 genetic disorders.

Amniocentesis is one of the most common, and is usually performed around weeks 14 to 16 of your pregnancy. 

Family history

You will be asked to give a family  history, which may include questions such as:

• Will you be 35 or older by your due date?
• Have you, your baby's father or anyone in your family had Down syndrome, spina bifida, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, sickle cell disease, Tay-Sachs disease or cystic fibrosis
• Have your or your baby's father produced a child born with a defect not listed in the box above or that was stillborn?
• Do you, your baby's father or a close relative in either family have any inherited genetic or chromosomal disorder not listed?
• Are you, your baby's father or a close relative of Jewish ancestry or a descendant from Eastern European people or Mediterranean ancestry?
• Have you or a previous spouse of your baby's father had three or more miscarriages?