Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of trying (six months for women over 35). It affects both men and women equally: about one-third of cases are due to female factors, one-third to male factors, and one-third to combined or unknown causes.

Infertility generally occurs as a result of a disease or disorder of the reproductive system. Infertility can affect both men and women. There are many different causes for infertility, which is why it’s important to see your physician if you are experiencing difficulty in becoming pregnant.

Most common causes:

• Women: Ovulation disorders (e.g., PCOS, ovarian failure, thyroid imbalance), uterine or fallopian tube issues (fibroids, PID, endometriosis, congenital anomalies), aging, and side effects from cancer treatments.

• Men: Abnormal semen (low count, poor mobility, no sperm, abnormal shape) caused by testicular disease, infections, overheating, ejaculation disorders, hormone imbalances, or certain medications/therapies.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that are very common in women during the childbearing years. You may not experience symptoms and, therefore, be unaware that you have fibroids. However, depending on the location of the fibroid and its size, some women do experience uncomfortable symptoms.

The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding, such as excessive bleeding and prolonged menstrual periods

• Pelvic pressure or pain

• Lower back or leg pain

• Urinary problems, such as frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder

• Constipation

Your doctor may diagnose your uterine fibroids during a routine pelvic exam. If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, your doctor may order additional tests, including:

• Ultrasound

• Blood tests

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Hysterosonography, or saline infusion sonogram

• Hysterosalpingography, which uses a dye to highlight the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes on X-ray images

• Hysteroscopy, which uses a small, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope to examine your cervix into your uterus

Many treatment options exist, ranging from watchful waiting to surgery. Our gynecologic team are leading experts in gynecologic robotic surgery with advanced capabilities in minimally-invasive procedures to address these conditions.

Up to 10% of pregnant women in the U.S. develop diabetes during pregnancy, called gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Furthermore, about 50% of women with GDM go on to develop type 2 diabetes, but it can be prevented. To ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby, it is essential to carefully manage preexisting diabetes and GDM during pregnancy.

The Ueberroth Family Program for Women with Diabetes at Hoag (also known as Sweet Success) ensures that all women experiencing pregnancy with diabetes have access to diabetes care before, during and after pregnancy. This includes women with preexisting type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) as well as women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy. Our Sweet Success Program provides educational, nutritional and emotional resources to support expectant mothers with diabetes to have a successful and healthy pregnancy. In the program, certified diabetes educators work with you and your OB provider to ensure continuity of care.

High blood pressure during pregnancy can put both mother and baby at risk. It may be chronic (preexisting), gestational (developing during pregnancy), or progress to preeclampsia.

Risk factors include preexisting conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, or diabetes, as well as age, multiple pregnancy, and race. Symptoms may range from none to headaches, swelling, vision changes, or abdominal pain.

Diagnosis involves blood and urine testing, along with close monitoring of mother and baby. Treatment may include medications, steroids to support fetal lung development, and fetal monitoring tests. In some cases, early delivery around 37 weeks is recommended.

Early detection and consistent prenatal care are key to preventing complications and ensuring the best outcome for both mother and child.

If your pregnancy is considered high-risk or if your pregnancy has complications, Hoag provides advanced, personalized care for you and your baby. Our nationally recognized team offers maternal-fetal medicine specialists, specialized testing, state-of-the-art antepartum and neonatal units, OB Emergency and triage services, and dedicated support programs. With 24/7 OB Hospitalists and a full spectrum of maternity services, Hoag ensures expert, compassionate care every step of the way.

Miscarriage, or pregnancy loss before 20 weeks, affects about 10–20% of pregnancies, most often in the first trimester. Causes vary and may include chromosomal abnormalities, health conditions, uterine issues, or lifestyle factors, though in many cases the cause is unknown. Common symptoms include bleeding, cramping, and back pain, and diagnosis often involves ultrasound or lab testing.

Treatment options depend on the stage of pregnancy and may include expectant management, medication, or surgical procedures. While miscarriage rarely leads to long-term health problems, follow-up care is important to prevent complications and support future pregnancies.

At Hoag, we provide medical expertise, compassionate support, and resources to help families navigate pregnancy loss.

Obesity (BMI of 30 or greater) increases health risks for both mother and baby during pregnancy. For mothers, risks include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and sleep apnea. For babies, risks may include birth defects, growth complications, preterm birth, stillbirth, and difficulties with monitoring during pregnancy and delivery.

Despite these risks, women with obesity can have healthy pregnancies with close medical care, regular monitoring, healthy nutrition, and exercise. Hoag physicians provide personalized guidance on safe weight gain, prenatal care, and delivery planning to reduce complications. Post-pregnancy, healthy habits and breastfeeding can support recovery and long-term health.

Pelvic health plays an important role before, during, and after pregnancy. Issues such as scar tissue, endometriosis, painful intercourse, or infertility can often be improved with pelvic floor therapy. During pregnancy, therapy and complementary services like acupuncture and Pilates can help manage pain, improve strength, and prepare the body for labor and delivery. In later pregnancy, pelvic floor therapy can support smoother delivery and minimize tearing.

After childbirth, Hoag offers specialized postpartum care to address common concerns such as incontinence, prolapse, painful intercourse, diastasis recti, and scar tissue recovery. With a physician referral, women can access personalized therapy and treatment plans designed to restore function and support long-term health.

Maternal mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are among the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum, yet they often go undiagnosed. Supporting emotional well-being before, during, and after pregnancy is critical for the health of both mother and baby. An outpatient clinic and Maternal Mental Health Support Line (949-764-8191, Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) offer direct access to expert support.

Hoag Maternal Mental Health Program We understand the importance of identifying and treating mental health conditions before, during and after pregnancy to ensure healthy outcomes for both mothers and babies. Our Maternal Mental Health Program is a collaboration between the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and the Women’s Health Institute, this program provides comprehensive care grounded in four core principles: universal screening, connection to services, early intervention, and community education.

Our program includes an outpatient clinic where expectant and new moms with various mental health conditions can meet with a psychiatrist, licensed marriage and family therapist or a licensed clinical social worker to receive the care they need or be connected to local resources. Additionally, we offer the following services:

• Preconception planning (women with existing mental health conditions or who are already taking medications and are planning to conceive)

• Mental health assessment during pregnancy and postpartum

• Individual and group psychotherapy

• Medication safety evaluation during pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Pharmacogenomics testing

• Connection to local support services

We Stand by Our Patients

Everyone needs help at different times in life, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team at Hoag. We’ll help find fast answers to your questions before, during, and after your treatment.

The Hoag Maternal Mental Health Program understands the importance of promoting mental health and wellness for mothers and babies—pre, during and postpartum—ensuring positive outcomes.

Additional Resources

Hoag has compiled a directory of Women’s Mental Health resources for your reference along with support groups if you or a loved one has difficulty identifying the appropriate resource for mental health needs.

• Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Pamphlet

Support Groups

• Postpartum Support Group

• Prenatal Support Group

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and organ involvement, typically developing after 20 weeks of pregnancy and sometimes continuing after delivery. Affecting about 5% of pregnant women, it can progress quickly and, if untreated, may lead to eclampsia, seizures, or life-threatening complications for both mother and baby.

Hoag’s Approach to Preeclampsia Because symptoms may be silent or subtle, diagnosis relies on blood and urine tests and close monitoring by your obstetrician. Warning signs may include swelling, persistent headache, vision changes, abdominal pain, sudden weight gain, or difficulty breathing.

Treatment may involve frequent monitoring, dietary adjustments, hospitalization, or early delivery in severe cases. After childbirth, blood pressure and organ function are carefully followed, as complications can still arise in the weeks after delivery.

Hoag provides specialized maternal care to monitor, manage, and treat preeclampsia, with a focus on safeguarding both mother and baby.

Pregnancy termination, also known as abortion, is a safe medical option to end a pregnancy through medication or a procedure. They can take place in a doctor’s office, a surgical center or hospital, or at home using medication. Abortions are safe procedures and should not affect your future health, the health of your future children or your fertility.

In California, abortion is legal up to the point of viability (around 24–26 weeks), with most performed during the first trimester. The type of abortion recommended depends on your health, the stage of pregnancy, and personal preference. Hoag physicians provide respectful, compassionate care to support you in making the decision that is right for you.

Most pregnancies last about 40 weeks. Preterm labor occurs when labor begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy, increasing the risk of premature birth. Babies born too early may face serious short- and long-term health complications, so preterm labor requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of preterm labor are:

• Tightening of the uterus (contractions), especially more than 4 in 1 hour

• Menstrual-type cramps

• Pressure in the lower belly

• Backache

• Diarrhea

• Change in the type or amount of vaginal discharge. This might be blood, mucus, or watery fluid.

• “Water breaking,” or a gush of fluid from the vagina

Call your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms of preterm labor. Hoag provides advanced obstetric care, including a dedicated OB Emergency Department, to help manage preterm labor and support the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

Twins, Triplets or More Pregnancy with multiples is an exciting journey but comes with unique challenges and risks. Expectant mothers of twins, triplets, or more often experience stronger pregnancy symptoms, require additional calories and specialized prenatal care, and face higher risks of complications such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. At Hoag, our obstetricians and perinatologists provide close monitoring and personalized care to help ensure the best outcomes for both mother and babies.

Hoag’s Family Planning Clinic is a dedicated program providing comprehensive family planning services in Orange County tailored to your unique needs. Our services include full-scope family planning care, contraception care, miscarriage management and abortion care. Our board-certified OB/GYNS and nurse practitioners provide high quality comprehensive care to our community with compassion, integrity and excellence.

Keeping well through every age and life stage. These recommendations are based on average-risk women without symptoms. Consult your physician about your personal risk and individual health care needs.

Bonding with your new baby is one of life’s most treasured experiences. Our postpartum+ program offers a board-certified nurse practitioner who will visit you in the comfort of your home to develop an individualized care plan for you and your newborn.

Hoag is here for you and your baby with pregnancy and baby care support services

BabyLine (949-764-2229)

Hoag BabyLine is answered by an OB Education registered nurse with special expertise and knowledge about pregnancy (before, during and after), as well as baby care and breastfeeding. Our BabyLine staff serves as a key resource for new and expectant parents. BabyLine is available to the community Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. ​

Breastfeeding Clinic: One-on-One Consultations

A 1-hour one-on-one consultation with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) registered nurse provides new mothers with support, encouragement and answers to questions that commonly arise when their newborn comes home from the hospital. One support person is strongly encouraged to attend.

Hoag for Her Center for Wellness is elevating women’s health care to an unparalleled level with an integrative approach to healthy living for women of all ages. Our innovative center provides proven therapies, specialized care and support services to help women achieve optimal health and wellness.

Whole-body health involves every aspect of wellness – of the body, mind and spirit. At Hoag for Her, we partner with you and your physician to provide the comprehensive health and wellness services designed to achieve your unique whole-body health goals.

Hoag Maternal Mental Health Program is a collaboration between the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute and Women’s Health Institute. We understand the importance of identifying and treating mental health conditions before, during and after pregnancy to ensure healthy outcomes for both mothers and babies. Our Maternal Mental Health Support Line is available Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 949-764-8191.

Midwifery care refers to the range of services provided by midwives to support women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Midwifery care is characterized by a whole woman-centered approach, focusing on the physical, emotional and social well-being of the mother throughout the child birth process. At Hoag, our goal is to empower women, promote natural childbirth and ensure a positive and safe experience for both the mother and the baby.

We have a team of Certified Nurse Midwives. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who are licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing and have acquired a master’s degree training in the field of obstetrics and are certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM).

All expectant parents hope that their babies will be healthy. Yet sometimes problems arise that result in a newborn requiring highly specialized care. When this happens, infants benefit greatly from having immediate access to advanced care at Hoag.

From Hoag’s level IIIa neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Newport Beach and our special care nursery (SCN) in Irvine, Hoag serves our community with advanced, around-the-clock care for infants born prematurely, or with complications.

Get real-time support. Nona's certified experts are here for you, right when you need. Get direct access to Nona Guides, lactation specialists and clinical experts.

Hoag’s OB Education Registered Nurses offer a variety of both in-person, online and pre-recorded educational classes and support services to support families throughout the exciting journey of pregnancy and parenthood.

In an effort to provide the absolute highest standard of care to our patients, the Sue & Bill Gross Women’s Pavilion at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach is pleased to offer our patients an OB Hospitalist program. This program provides hospital-based, OB/GYN physicians (hospitalists) on-site at Hoag 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. These highly-skilled, Board Certified OB/GYNs will provide consistent care to patients in the hospital, as well as emergent care to those arriving in Labor and Delivery.

Hoag is offering these services to elevate the standard of women’s healthcare by ensuring every expectant mother is evaluated and treated by a physician regardless of time, location, complication or circumstance.

Hoag would like to partner in your healthcare by offering you and your baby these standard and recommended immunizations to protect you from vaccine-preventable diseases. Therefore Hoag’s Maternal Child Health Departments will be providing the Hepatitis B vaccine for your newborn at birth and also offering new mothers the Tdap and Influenza (during flu season) vaccines.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Our team is here to support you and your family throughout this exciting journey. We have created a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the initial stages of pregnancy.

Our vision is to be the safest Hospital to deliver your baby. Many of our patients are considered high-risk, whether due to advanced maternal age, health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or twin/triplet pregnancies. Our hospital is prepared for the highest risk situations for both maternal and newborn conditions with 24/7 in-hospital presence of maternal fetal medicine specialists, neonatologists, OB Hospitalists, dedicated anesthesiologists and Magnet-designated nursing staff. Our Newport Beach hospital has a level III NICU staffed at all times by two board-certified Children’s Hospital of Orange County neonatologists and supported by respiratory therapists, pharmacists, occupational/physical therapists and NICU nurses. Our Irvine maternity hospital is equipped with a special care nursery which is prepared for high-risk situations. Learn more about high-risk pregnancies.

For a complete list of OB/GYN providers please visit Find a Doctor | Hoag Hospital

Congratulations on your pregnancy, we are delighted that you are considering Hoag as your trusted Hospital. Our goal is to provide the environment and experience to support the healthiest beginning for you and your family.

In these videos, we offer you a virtual tour of our maternity campus at Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Hoag Hospital Irvine. These virtual tour videos will give you an idea of what to expect when you go into labor or need to visit our OB emergency department. Should you wish to come and see the unit, you can also schedule an in-person tour of both the Newport Beach and Irvine birthing suites.

Hoag – Newport Beach

• Virtual Tour

• In-Person Tour

Hoag – Irvine

• Virtual Tour

• In-Person Tour

What To Pack in Your Hospital Bag

Packing your hospital bag is an exciting and important part of preparing for your labor and delivery. Use the below information as a helpful start to organize your bag, so you are ready for your hospital stay and baby’s arrival.

For Mom:

• Medical insurance card

• Identification

• List of medications and allergies

• Any forms or paperwork your physician requested that you bring with you

• Birth plan and any comfort items you may have as part of your plan

• Cell phone and charger

• Comfortable clothes and footwear

• Glasses/contact lenses

• Your favorite hair and hygiene products

• Small speaker/headphones

• Computer and iPad/tablet

• Reusable water bottle

• Colored pillowcase if bringing a personal pillow

For Baby:

• Outfit and receiving blanket to go home in

• Car seat (installed in vehicle)

Support Person:

• Extra clothing, snacks, cash and other personal items they may need during your stay.

What Is Provided

For Mom:

• While in the hospital, you will be provided with a gown, necessary medications and hygiene/comfort supplies.

For Baby:

• While in the hospital, Hoag will provide your baby with diapers, wipes, blankets and a t-shirt. If you choose to feed your baby formula, we will provide enough formula to feed your baby while in the hospital.

Hoag offers a variety of pre, during and postpartum resources to support women through their pregnancy and postpartum journey.

• OB Education

• BabyLine/Breast Feeding Clinic 1:1 Consultations

• Hoag For Her

  • Services & On-demand Classes

  • Pelvic Health Program

• Hoag at Home Postpartum +

• Maternal Mental Health

• Nona – A Pregnancy Support App

• Support Groups

• Finding a Pediatrician

Insurance Coverage

Learn more about the health insurance plans accepted by Hoag here.

Cash Pay

For those patients who do not have insurance coverage, or elect to not utilize their insurance, the following rates apply.

• Routine (Average Services) Vaginal Delivery: $20,000

• Routine (Average Services) Cesarean Section: $22,500

All payments are expected prior to leaving the hospital prior to obtaining a zero-balance letter.