Pregnancy is the period during which a fetus develops inside a woman’s uterus, typically lasting about 40 weeks from the last menstrual period to childbirth. It involves a series of physiological changes and stages, including conception, embryonic development, and fetal growth, leading to delivery.
In the United States, pregnancy care is a major component of women’s healthcare services, encompassing prenatal visits, diagnostic testing, labor and delivery care, and postpartum support. Healthcare providers like obstetricians, midwives, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists play crucial roles throughout the process.
Pregnancies have a significant impact on the healthcare system, influencing both clinical practices and policy development. Maternal health services are critical for reducing risks associated with complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth, all of which require timely interventions and specialized care.
Economically, pregnancy-related healthcare represents a substantial portion of national healthcare expenditures. Programs like Medicaid cover a large number of births annually in the U.S., making maternal health outcomes a key public health priority and an important factor in healthcare planning and resource allocation.