Comprehensive Prenatal care is vital for the health of mom and baby. Prenatal care is the first few steps of the pregnancy journey. Our OBGYN team and midwife promptly help detect and treat problems, prevent complications and help in referring women to appropriate specialists when necessary. In the United States, prenatal care has resulted in a reduced number of maternal deaths, miscarriages, and birth defects.
Working with your doctor will create an appointment schedule. During each visit your pregnancy progress will be monitored closely. For most patients, monthly appointments are recommended for the first six months of pregnancy. During the seventh and eighth months bi-weekly and and weekly in the ninth month of pregnancy. When and if necessary, we will adjust our appointment schedule - especially for women with high-risk pregnancies. It is our commitment is that every patient receives only the best possible care.
It is recommended that all women considering pregnancy visit their doctor for a pre-pregnancy healthcare checkup. Otherwise, women should contact their doctor as soon as they suspect they are pregnant. Receiving prenatal care is especially important for women with high-risk pregnancies.
At your first visit, your doctor will assess your overall health and review your medical history. Bring a list of your current medications for your doctor to review. Your blood pressure, height, and weight will be measured and your doctor may conduct a pelvic examination. Your doctor will recommend prenatal vitamins, including folic acid. Folic acid can help significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.New Paragraph
Your blood pressure, blood and urine will be tested periodically throughout your pregnancy. Routine ultrasounds are often performed at about the 20th to 34th week of pregnancy. Ultrasound is also used if a problem is suspected.
Prenatal testing helps to ensure that problems in a pregnancy receive prompt attention. It enables you to communicate with your doctor and discuss any concerns. You should follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and attend all of your appointments.
An ultrasound, or sonogram, is an imaging test used to create, well, images of the internal organs and structures. An Ultrasound is often used to examine a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. When needed an obstetric ultrasound is used to monitor a your baby's progress during pregnancy. A trans-vaginal ultrasound uses a transmitting device that is placed in the vagina to provide detailed images.
Our ultrasound is a small device that is placed on the skin or a wand that is inserted into the vagina. The device transmits sound wave information that is translated into pictures on a monitor. Particular images may be saved on the computer or printed out. There are no known risks associated with ultrasound. Unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not involve radiation.
A Cesarean Section (C-Section) is a common surgical procedure and used in certain situations. A C-Section) may be planned in advance or may become necessary during labor. A cesarean section involves an incision in the abdomen through which the baby is removed. Cesarean sections are becoming more common in the United States and may be used if a vaginal delivery is not safe for the mother or baby.
Patients who may have high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes, active herpes, preeclampsia, eclampsia, or a previous cesarean section may be candidates for a C-Section. These conditions detected in the baby may also require the surgery, including a fetal illness or abnormality, a head that is too large to fit through the vaginal canal or a difficult fetal position, such as feet first. A cesarean section may also be recommended and considered necessary due to a placenta blocking the cervical opening (placenta previa) or in cases where the placenta becomes separated from the uterine wall (abruption placenta.)
For many, pregnancy is a wonderful experience. But, pregnancies are also complex and carry risk. A high risk pregnancy is one where mother and baby could be in a hazardous condition. Pregnancies determined to be high-risk may be termed so because of a medical condition or if you develop a medical condition during pregnancy (for example Pre-eclampsia). The Women's Wellness Center clinical team and OBGYNs monitor and manage high-risk pregnancies carefully. We will work together with you to provide and inform you of every step during the care journey.
Pre-existing medical conditions that constitute a high-risk pregnancy include heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, cancer, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and HIV or AIDS. Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, eclampsia, or preterm labor, conditions that may develop during pregnancy can make a pregnancy high-risk.
Painful periods, excessive bleeding or incontinence are not only disruptive, they can signal underlying health problems. Our goal is to foster a doctor-patient relationship that opens the door to effective communication and a lifetime of optimal health and well-being.
Dr. Harris and Dr. Chen have extensive surgical experience in minimally invasive techniques so that you have access to effective treatments for gynecological concerns.
Our goal is to provide compassionate and experienced care. If you have concerns regarding gynecological conditions, or simply need to schedule a well woman exam, we welcome your call.
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