For more information throughout your pregnancy click on our guide below:

What to Expect While You’re Expecting

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

Your baby’s birth and the months leading up to the birth are an exciting and special time. This is also a time when expectant mothers have a lot of questions about the changes in their bodies and the development of their babies. At Desert Rose, we are here to guide you through each step of this journey.

We provide full-service obstetrics for both low- and high-risk pregnancies with personal care for a health mother and a healthy baby. Dr. Terry Huff delivers at Banner Gateway Hospital and Mountain Vista Medical Center.

• Banner Gateway Hospital
  • Banner Gateway Maternity Page
  • Banner Gateway Homepage
• In-office ultrasounds
  • Done around 12 & 18 weeks
• High risk obstetrics including: diabetes, hypertension, and many other pre-existing medical problems
• Multiple gestations
• Antenatal diagnosis/testing

General Information

In the medical field, we measure pregnancies in weeks rather than months. The due dates are calculated to be exactly 40 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.
Every pregnancy will be different, so it is important to learn about what to expect, what to look for, and steps to help guide you into a healthy pregnancy.
Continue reading to learn about each trimester.

*Some pregnancies can last more than 40 weeks, as well as end before 40 weeks.
**Inductions will not be scheduled before 39 weeks.

[accordions] [accordion title=”Early Pregnancy (<13 Weeks) – First Trimester”]
What to Expect:
Bleeding: Spotting or bleeding is very common in early pregnancy. If you are spotting, please call us during our regular office hours. Spotting can be common after a vaginal ultrasound or intercourse. If you bleed more than a period and have severe lower abdominal pain, please call us immediately.
Nausea: Nausea is common in early pregnancy. If possible, we prefer conservative measures such as frequent small meals (6 per day) and the use of bland foods. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If you are unable to tolerate liquids, please call our office.
Constipation: Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy. Drink plenty of fluids and eat meals that are high in fiber, such as fruits, whole grains and vegetables.

Nutritional Information:
Prenatal Vitamins: You should be taking prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period. If you experience significant nausea, you can try taking a children’s multi-vitamin, however, it is acceptable to temporarily discontinue vitamin use. You may also try taking your prenatal vitamin at night to reduce associated nausea.
Medications: In general try to avoid any medications, please refer to our What to Expect While You’re Expecting guide.
Exercise: The recommendation is to maintain a heart rate of no greater than 130 beats per minute. Use moderation and do not exercise to the point of fatigue. Intercourse is acceptable at any time during the pregnancy as well. You do no have to discontinue intercourse at any time in this pregnancy unless otherwise indicated by your doctor, you are bleeding, or your water has broken.
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[accordion title=”Mid Pregnancy (13-26 Weeks) – Second Trimester”]
What to Expect:
Nausea: Nausea is common in early pregnancy. If possible, we prefer conservative measures such as frequent small meals (6 per day) and the use of bland floods. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If you are unable to tolerate liquids, please call our office.
Constipation: Constipation is a common problem in pregnancy. Drink plenty of fluids and eat meals that are high in fiber, such as fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.

What to Look Out For:
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, please call our office right away.

(480) 897-8000

• Tightening of the abdomen that becomes constant or comes and goes
• Contractions every 10 minutes, you start from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next to determine how far apart the contractions are
• Cramping like your menstrual cycle. Cramping can be in the abdomen or lower back
• Lower abdominal pressure or cramping that feels like gas pains
• Vaginal discharge that is increased or dripping from the vagina that is clear
• Bloody discharge from the vagina
• Symptoms similar to the flu-nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• You do not feel your baby kick or it’s less than your baby normally kicks

Nutritional Information:
Prenatal Vitamins: You should be taking prenatal vitamins throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period. If you experience significant nausea you should try taking your prenatal vitamin at night to reduce associated nausea.
Medications: In general try to avoid any medications, please refer to our What to Expect While You’re Expecting guide.
Exercise: The recommendation is to maintain a heart rate of no greater than 130 beats per minute. Use moderation and do not exercise to the point of fatigue. Intercourse is acceptable at any time during the pregnancy as well. You do no have to discontinue intercourse at any time in this pregnancy unless otherwise indicated by your doctor, you are bleeding, or your water has broken.
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[accordion title=”Late Pregnancy (26+ Weeks) – Third Trimester”]
What to Look Out For:
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, please call our office right away.

(480) 897-8000

• Tightening of the abdomen that becomes constant or comes and goes
• Contractions every 10 minutes, you start from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next to determine how far apart the contractions are
• Cramping like your menstrual cycle. Cramping can be in the abdomen or lower back
• Lower abdominal pressure or cramping that feels like gas pains
• Vaginal discharge that is increased or dripping from the vagina that is clear
• Bloody discharge from the vagina
• Symptoms similar to the flu-nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• You do not feel your baby kick or it’s less than your baby normally kicks

Getting Ready for Delivery:
Childbirth Classes or Schedule a Tour, call the hospital for any additional information:

Banner Gateway: (480) 543-2000

• Call or schedule online: (602) 230-CARE (2273) or Schedule a Tour
• Banner Gateway also offers a childbirth prep class that includes a tour:
  • Schedule or Informational Flier

Third Trimester Checklist
24-36 weeks:

• Call the office at (480) 897-8000 if you suspect rupture of membranes (leakage of fluid)
• If you have more than 4-5 contractions in an hour
• Vaginal bleeding
• If you notice a decrease in fetal activity

36+ weeks:

• Call the office at (480) 897-8000 if you suspect rupture of membranes (leakage of fluid)
• If you have regular contractions every 2-5 minutes
• Vaginal bleeding
• If you notice a decrease in fetal activity

Things to do:

• Make sure that you are pre-registered at the hospital
• Choose a pediatrician for your baby
• Decide about circumcision – The circumcision is usually preformed by the pediatrician. Insurance coverage varies for this procedure
• Decide if you will breast or bottle feed and purchase appropriate supplies
• Plan for a maternity leave from work. Please give our office 7-10 business days to fill out necessary paperwork. Disability paperwork should be given to our front office
• Consider taking a tour of the hospital
• Consider childbirth preparation classes
• Pack your labor bag and overnight suitcase. As a minimum, purchase basic items for your baby such as diapers, undershirts, and a few outfits
• Wash baby’s new clothes to remove fabric finish
• Plan for your hospital stay by asking family and friends to care for other children and pets, collect mail, etc.

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