Pregnant in Tucson

pregnant Tucson

Are you pregnant in Tucson? Congratulations! You've come to the right place.

TucsonTopia's PREGNANCY PAGE is the #1 spot for Tucson dads and moms to find resources for pregnancy, the first year of baby's life, and beyond

Here you'll find information about pregnancy tests, morning sickness, obstetricians, midwives, prenatal fitness, baby registries, babymoons, hospitals, birth centers, and labor & delivery.

I'M PREGNANT! NOW WHAT?

Congratulations! Pregnancy is a miraculous time. You have a new life inside of you who will soon captivate your heart. Babies are truly a wonder.

P.S. If you think you might be pregnant (but are not quite sure), you can purchase easy-to-use pregnancy tests at most local drugstores or dollar stores. Hands of Hope is centrally located and also offers complimentary pregnancy tests. You will also want to schedule an appointment with an obstetrician, gynecologist, or midwife. 

MORNING SICKNESS IN TUCSON

Fifty to eighty percent of women experience some form of morning sickness. Morning sickness can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to smells, and extreme tiredness. For some women, morning sickness is mild and easily kept at bay with simple home remedies. For others, morning sickness can be debilitating. 

If you are struggling with morning sickness, one or more of the following common remedies may be of help:

  • Be sure to always have a bit of food in your stomach. In other words, don't let your stomach get completely empty. Always stash snacks for at home, at work, in-the-car, and on-the-go.
  • Suck on mints or hard candies. Ginger, peppermint, and cinnamon have been known to be of help.
  • Try different beverages: ginger ale, sparkling water, etc.
  • Remove scents that make you queasy. 
  • Wear wrist bracelets that have pressure points. 

Some insurances may also fully or partially cover IVs in the event of dehydration. You may even be able to have a nurse come to your home to give you an IV. 

*Be sure to consult with your doctor or midwife for morning sickness advice.

PRENATAL FITNESS/EXERCISE IN TUCSON

Now that you know a new baby is on the way, you are probably filled with mixed emotions: excitement, anticipation, and joy. 

Over the next nine months (and beyond), you will want to:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Eat a diet rich in fruits & vegetables.
  • Take regular walks.

In most cases, it is important and healthy to stay active during pregnancy. Daily walks are a gentle and excellent start. Water aerobics and swimming can also be a good way to stay fit during the warmer months (which are many in Tucson). 

If you prefer group classes, call around to nearby gyms or dance studios to see if they offer prenatal exercise classes. 

*Be sure to consult with your doctor or midwife for exercise ideas and guidelines. 

SUMMER PREGNANCY IN TUCSON

Tucson temperatures can often climb to the 90s (and higher) in June, July, and August.

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists has the following tips for staying cool while pregnant when the weather is hot.

  • Go swimming. Swimming is great for your body because it works so many muscles. The water supports your weight so you avoid injury and muscle strain. It also helps you stay cool and may prevent your legs from swelling.
  • Wear loose clothing.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Stay close to a fan or air-conditioner

UNPLANNED PREGNANCY IN TUCSON

If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy, we recommend that you set up an appointment at Hands of Hope. The pregnancy medical center offers free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, nurse consultations, and recovery services for pregnancy loss (miscarriage, abortion, ectopic, early infant loss). Hands of Hope serves all ages. All services are completely confidential. 

BABY REGISTRIES IN TUCSON

The only places to register locally in Tucson are Target, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond. Babies R Us closed down in 2018, Kids Center closed in 2019, and buybuy Baby closed in 2023. Read more about Baby Registries in Tucson.

BABYMOON IN TUCSON

"Babymoons" are vacations that couples take together prior to having their baby. It's an opportunity to relax, reconnect, and rest (while you still can! Ha!). 

Some resorts in Tucson, Phoenix, and Scottsdale offer "babymoon" packages - with special amenities like massages, ice cream sundaes, late check-out, or maternity photos.

LABOR & DELIVERY IN TUCSON

In the near future, you will need to decide where you will deliver your baby in Tucson.

Your labor & delivery choices are:

  • Babymoon Inn of Tucson: personalized midwifery care in a freestanding birth center.
  • In-Hospital Birthing Center: The Midwifery Center at TMC, formerly El Rio Birth Center, is an accredited in-hospital birthing unit. The center provides a family-centered, home-like experience for women who are at low risk and who want to have a natural, unmedicated birth. 
  • Hospital: There are four hospitals with Labor & Delivery units in Tucson: Tucson Medical CenterCarondelet St. Joseph's Hospital, Banner University Medical Center, and Northwest Medical Center. The hospital where you deliver may be dictated by where your OB/midwife is associated.
  • At Home: some people opt to have their babies at home under the care of a midwife or team of midwives.

Feel free to call to schedule a free tour at any or all of the above hospitals so that you can choose the right location for your birth.

Questions you may want to ask include:

  1. What labor aids do you offer? Rocking chairs, labor balls, warm showers/baths, nitrous oxide, etc.
  2. Will I be able to move around freely during labor (without heart rate monitors, IVs, etc)?
  3. Is there somewhere for my husband to sleep/stay?
  4. What is your induction rate?
  5. What is your cesarean rate?
  6. Do mothers and babies stay together after delivery?
  7. Do you offer complimentary lactation services (consultants, breastfeeding support groups, etc)?
  8. Are lactation consultants available around the clock?
  9. What amenities do you offer to new parents after delivery (celebratory meal, newborn & mom photo, etc)?
  10. How soon will I be able to return home after delivery?

WHO IS THE BEST OBSTETRICIAN OR MIDWIFE IN TUCSON?

Great question! With dozens of pregnancy caregivers in Tucson, it’s hard to pinpoint just one. Each obstetrician and midwife has a unique personality, communication style, and educational background.

Obstetricians (often referred to as OBs) are medical doctors who graduated from an approved medical school and completed four years of residency training. They are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and often have specialized training in surgery and in high-risk pregnancies.

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are licensed and certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. Approximately 82% of CNMs have a Masters degree. Most CNMs work in hospital settings, but some also work at freestanding birth centers or deliver in homes. CNMs can write prescriptions, offer comprehensive pre- and post-natal care, and be the primary caregiver for labor & deliver. CNMs have specialized training in pain management during labor.

The best way to find an obstetrician or midwife in Tucson is to ask friends and family members for recommendations. You can also check yelp and google reviews. Finally, you can search for an obstetrician by zip code or name on the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists website. You can search for a midwife by zip code on the American College of Nurse-Midwives website.

Congratulations again on your pregnancy!


We will be updating this page as we receive new information. If you know about other events that might be of interest to pregnant women in Tucson, contact us!

TucsonTopia contains both paid and non-paid mentions of businesses and organizations in and around Tucson, Arizona. Any reference made here to local businesses, services, classes, etc. is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. We encourage you to do your own research before participating in an event or engaging with a local business or organization. The intent of TucsonTopia is to provide ideas for family-friendly activities, events, and resources. Participants assume all risks for any activities they engage in. TucsonTopia is not responsible for any injuries or problems that may arise from partaking in any of these events and activities.
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