PREGNANCY SERVICES

When a woman first determines she’s pregnant, she wants to receive the best care possible for both her and her baby. Obstetrics and gynecology service providers specialize in comprehensive care for prenatal services.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist (ACOG) provides a recommended schedule for prenatal care visits, as well as for the care that expectant mothers should receive at the initial and subsequent visits.

To provide the best service possible, pregnant women should arrange for an initial prenatal care visit as soon as possible.

During the initial visit the following procedures will likely be implemented:

Initial history of the mother, including:
-current health problems and treatments
-drug allergies
-surgical history
-family history
-past pregnancies (if any)
-gynecological conditions (such as history of abnormal Pap smears)
-dietary/exercise habits
-tobacco, alcohol and drug use

Physical examination, including:
-blood pressure
-height and weight
-examination of the breasts, heart, lungs, abdomen, and extremities
-a pelvic examination to evaluate the size and shape of the uterus and other reproductive organs

Initial prenatal lab screenings, including:
-Pap smear (unless normal screenings have been reported within the last six months)
-blood type and Rh type
-antibody screen
-complete blood count
-Rubella immunity
-test for syphilis
-urine culture/screen
-tests for hepatitis     

Subsequent visits typically include:

-measurement of blood pressure

 -weightsize of the uterus

-measurement of fetal heart beats—beginning at 10-12 weeks

 -urine samples are tested for the presence of sugar, infection, and protein

Subsequent prenatal lab screenings may include additional testing of the baby’s condition, but not limited to:

-Ultrascreen

-Ultrasounds

-MSAFP—a test for Down syndrome and some spinal defects

-Amniocentesis—sampling the amniotic fluid for certain abnormalities

-Non-stress Testing

-Biophysical Profiles