Obstetrics Education & Resources

Discover safe exercises, expert tips, and the benefits of staying active while pregnant. Learn how fitness can support your health and your baby’s well-being.

Learn about common symptoms, body changes, and tips for a healthy start to pregnancy. Find out when to call your doctor and how to care for yourself during these early weeks.

Learn about GTD, its types, symptoms, and treatment options. Discover how CU Anschutz provides expert care and support for this rare pregnancy-related condition.

Learn the signs of labor, explore pain relief options, and understand delivery methods—from natural birth to C-section and VBAC. Our team at CU Anschutz Women's Health is here to guide you through every step of your birth experience.

Learn what miscarriage is, its common symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Find compassionate care and emotional support resources to help you through this difficult time.

Discover how to maintain a balanced diet during pregnancy, including calorie guidelines, essential nutrients, and foods to avoid. Learn tips for managing cravings and nausea, and find expert advice to support your health and your baby’s development.

Knowing which medications are safe during pregnancy is essential for protecting your health and your baby’s. This page provides a trusted, OB-GYN-approved list of over-the-counter (OTC) medications for common symptoms like allergies, headaches, nausea, and heartburn. It also includes important safety tips, such as avoiding aspirin and ibuprofen, using medications sparingly in the first trimester, and consulting your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medicine. Explore the full list and learn how to manage pregnancy symptoms safely.

Placenta accreta is a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta attaches too deeply to the uterine wall, increasing risks of severe bleeding and preterm delivery. Often linked to prior C-sections or uterine surgery, it can be diagnosed early through ultrasound or MRI. Treatment typically involves a planned cesarean hysterectomy performed by a specialized surgical team. The University of Colorado Anschutz offers the region’s only dedicated placenta accreta program, providing expert care for this complex condition.

The postpartum period is a critical time for a mother’s physical and emotional health. Learn what to expect after childbirth, from managing common symptoms and healing after delivery to recognizing signs of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression is a serious but treatable mood disorder that affects about 15% of new mothers. Unlike the “baby blues,” postpartum depression can occur anytime within the first year after childbirth and may include symptoms such as severe mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Learn about causes, risk factors, and treatment options—including counseling, medication, and support services—available through the CU Anschutz PROMISE Clinic.

Before trying to conceive, it’s important to prepare your body and mind for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception care focuses on evaluating your overall health, managing chronic conditions, and making lifestyle adjustments that support fertility and fetal development. From personalized counseling and genetic testing to guidance on prenatal vitamins and safe medications, our CU Anschutz OB-GYN experts are here to help you plan for a successful pregnancy journey.

High blood pressure during pregnancy, known as gestational hypertension, can lead to serious complications like preeclampsia, which affects 3–4% of pregnancies in the U.S. This condition may harm organs and increase risks for both mother and baby if untreated. Symptoms include severe headaches, vision changes, upper abdominal pain, and nausea. While preeclampsia cannot be fully prevented, managing blood pressure before pregnancy and taking low-dose aspirin may reduce risk. Most women with these conditions have safe deliveries with proper monitoring and care. Learn the signs, risk factors, and treatment options to protect your health and your baby’s.

From the first signs of pregnancy to your first prenatal visit, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Learn what to expect and schedule your appointment with one of our local clinics today.

The second trimester is often the most comfortable stage of pregnancy, but your body continues to change as your baby grows. Common developments include a growing baby bump, quickening (feeling baby movements), skin changes, and steady weight gain. You may also experience symptoms like backaches, headaches, dizziness, heartburn, leg cramps, and nasal congestion. Most are normal, but call your doctor if you notice bleeding, severe abdominal pain, persistent dizziness, or unusual discharge. Learn what’s typical, how to ease discomfort, and when to seek care during this exciting stage.

The third trimester is the final stage of pregnancy and often the most physically demanding. Your body prepares for labor while the baby completes its growth, leading to changes like breast enlargement, swelling, fatigue, and frequent urination. Common symptoms include back pain, shortness of breath, heartburn, constipation, and Braxton Hicks contractions. Watch for warning signs such as bleeding, severe dizziness, painful urination, or sudden swelling, and contact your doctor immediately if they occur. Learn what’s normal, how to ease discomfort, and when to seek care as you approach delivery.

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) offers many women a safe alternative to repeat C-sections, with benefits like faster recovery, lower infection risk, and fewer complications. While VBAC carries a small risk of uterine scar rupture (about 1 in 500 cases), most women are good candidates—especially those with a single low transverse incision and healthy pregnancies. CU Anschutz Women’s Health provides expert VBAC care with the right team and resources to ensure safety for both mother and baby. Learn the benefits, risks, and factors to consider when choosing VBAC.