Obstetrics & Prenatal Care
Normal & High Risk Pregnancies
Pregnancy is one of the most important times in a woman’s life. Having the proper care and knowledge is essential to a successful term and delivery of your baby. We provide full pregnancy care, from conception through delivery and even longer. Our experienced team can help you every step of the way on this incredible journey. We offer specialized care in family planning, prenatal care and delivery.
Prenatal care is crucial to your baby’s healthy development. Regular doctor’s visits are recommended and will allow for professional monitoring of your baby’s health. A regular appointment should include checking the baby’s heart rate and checking your blood pressure, urine and weight gain. Ultrasounds can be performed to visually check on the baby’s development.
In addition to our general obstetrical services, we also provide care for high risk pregnancies, including women with pre-existing medical conditions, multiple births or abnormal pregnancies that carry an increased risk of complications.
Some conditions that may increase the risk of complication during pregnancy or delivery include diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, heart disease, cancer and more. Complications during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, premature birth and recurrent miscarriages will require more frequent visits with our physicians.
After developing a partnership with your doctor over the past nine months, you can work together to ensure a safe and successful delivery. It is important to choose a doctor you trust for this memorable journey.
State-of-the-Art Ultrasound Test
Obstetrical ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. These images can be viewed in real time on a computer monitor by patient and doctor. This procedure can be performed transabdominally, which involves moving a transducer across the skin of the lower abdomen, or transvaginally, which involves inserting a transducer into the vagina and rotating it for a comprehensive view of the fetus and surrounding organs.
An obstetrical ultrasound is performed several times throughout pregnancy to monitor the growth and development of the fetus. During the first trimester, ultrasound can determine the age of the fetus or detect any potential birth defects, such as Down syndrome. Later in the pregnancy, regular ultrasound exams measure the size and position of the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid to help ensure that delivery will not have any major complications.
The results of this procedure are visible immediately on a computer screen for the doctor and patient to view together. More detailed results are usually available within one to two days, which your doctor will analyze for any additional information. Normal results will show a healthy fetus that has a normal size, heart and breathing rate and no visible birth defects.
An abnormal ultrasound may indicate a fetus that is too small or underdeveloped for its age, in a breech position or has a birth defect such as absent kidneys or anencephaly. It can also indicate serious problems such as an ectopic pregnancy or lack of a fetal heartbeat. If abnormal results occur, your doctor may perform additional testing.
Ultrasounds are one of the most commonly performed diagnostic procedures and have been safely used for years in fetal monitoring and for many other purposes. It is painless, and no needles or ionizing radiation are used during this procedure, eliminating the common risks of other diagnostic procedures.
Lactation Teaching & Assistance
Breastfeeding is a natural and healthy process that provides many advantages to both baby and mother. However, many new mothers have difficulty adjusting to breastfeeding and may benefit from a lactation consultation. A lactation consultation can help you fully understand the breastfeeding process and troubleshoot any problems, pain or confusion you may be having.
We can refer you to a specialist who can teach you about the many benefits of breastfeeding, how to obtain the proper positioning and helping your baby to latch properly. They can also answer any lactation or nursing questions you may have as well as identifying and correcting any problems you experience. Even mothers who have had success breastfeeding before may need assistance with a new baby.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is vital in ensuring the healthy growth and development of your baby. Regular visits to your health care provider aim to monitor your baby’s progress and identify any potential problems before they become serious. Women who receive prenatal care have healthier babies and are less likely to deliver prematurely or have pregnancy-related problems.
Prenatal care should begin as soon as possible and usually includes monthly doctor’s visits. These visits should become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses, and include a complete physical exam, blood and urine samples and answers to your questions. Your doctor may measure your uterus, take ultrasounds and perform several other routine tests to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.