About Obstetrics

OBs offer counseling even before you become pregnant. They will review your family history, assess your current health, and order routine tests and bloodwork. They will also review your current medications and medical conditions and will discuss with you how they may affect your pregnancy. OBs will offer preconception nutritional counseling.

This counseling will ensure that you are nourishing and supplementing your body properly. This will help you prepare for pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, you are at increased risk of illness compared to people who are not pregnant. It is important to stay up-to-date on health alerts that may impact your pregnancy. You can find up-to-date health alerts related to pregnancy on the CDC website. If you or your partner have been exposed or become sick, let your OB know. 

Your birth plan is very important to us. That is why we offer connected, collaborative, and compassionate care for every birth plan. We are here to support you in your journey, no matter what type of birth you are planning.

Whether it is a low-intervention birth or a hospital birth, our full team is here for you. Our OBs are highly qualified experts. They will provide care and support throughout your birth planning process. We are fortunate to have a collaborative staff who are dedicated to helping you.

Midwifery is the practice of care before and during pregnancy, at childbirth, and in the postpartum period. Midwives are certified healthcare professionals who also specialize in sexual and reproductive health, gynecologic services, and family planning. Click here to learn more.

Some pregnancies have more associated risks and complications. These are referred to as high-risk. Expectant mothers who have pre-existing medical conditions need special attention during their pregnancies.

These conditions include diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, kidney or heart disease, and epilepsy. Additionally, expectant mothers who are significantly underweight or overweight also need extra care.

High-risk pregnancies can also be in people who are younger than 17 or older than 35 years of age. Having more than one baby or a history of miscarriages can also increase risk.

Your obstetrician will review your risk level. This will ensure you receive the best care throughout your pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The postpartum period can last for several weeks to months.

You may choose to receive genetic counseling during pregnancy. Genetic testing and counseling can help individuals understand how genetics, birth defects, and family history affect their and their baby’s health.

This understanding can help them make informed decisions regarding their and their baby’s health. Genetic testing and counseling is your choice.

Those individuals who have medical conditions that run in the family may consider partaking in genetic testing and counseling. Your OB may perform genetic testing if standard prenatal testing reveals that your baby is at risk of health conditions. If genetic testing reveals further issues, your OB will review and counsel you through your options and next steps.

During your pregnancy, you will receive at least two ultrasounds. An ultrasound is a procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your baby, placenta, and uterus. The purpose of the ultrasound is to evaluate your baby’s health and to determine how well your pregnancy is progressing.

Most people receive two ultrasounds during their pregnancy. The first ultrasound typically occurs in the first trimester to confirm the due date. The second ultrasound occurs after 17 weeks to confirm a normal anatomy and the sex of the baby.

Certain medical conditions may warrant more than two ultrasounds. 

The following is a list of medications that are safe to take during pregnancy. Use medications as directed. If you have any questions, consult with your OB.

This advice applies to the following conditions: 

• Allergies (seasonal): Actifed®, Benadryl®(plain), Chlor-Trimeton®, Claritin®, Zyrtec®
• Constipation: Benefiber®, Citrucel®, Colace®, Dulcolax suppository/pills, Fibercon® tablets, Metamucil®
• Colds & Congestion: Benadryl® (plain), Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Robitussin® (plain) PE, saline nasal spray
• Cough: Robitussin® (plain), Robitussin DM
• Diarrhea: Imodium® AD
• Heartburn & Indigestion: Maalox®, Mylanta®, Mylanta II, Pepcid AC®, Tums®
• Headache: Tylenol®, Tylenol Extra Strength
• Hemorrhoids: Anusol-HC®, Dibucaine, Preparation H®, Proctocream, Tucks® pads
• Insomnia: Simply Sleep®, Tylenol PM, Unisom®, Doxylamine, Benadryl®
• Itching/Rash: Benadryl Lotion, Hydrocortisone cream 1%,
• Nausea: Emetrol®, Acupressure wristbands, Vitamin B6, Doxylamine, Unisom®
• Sore Throat: Cepacol®, Chloraseptic® Spray, salt-water gargle
• Yeast Infection: Gyne-Lotrimin®, Monistat 7®

You may consider taking educational classes to help you navigate your pregnancy and life as a new parent. Education that is offered ranges from prenatal classes to postpartum classes. Prenatal classes are sessions that help you prepare for labor and childbirth.

Postpartum classes are sessions that help you care for your newborn baby, including instruction on breastfeeding. Educational classes are also a great chance to engage your own partner and meet other couples. Talk to your OB about which educational class is right for you and your partner.

The support from your OB and delivery team does not end once you give birth.

There will be a plethora of support available to you in the postpartum period. Postpartum support includes help in your own healing from childbirth, regardless of giving birth vaginally or via C-section. You may even be referred to a physical therapist to help you recover.

Postpartum support also includes assistance with breastfeeding, navigating life as a new parent, and addressing medical complications and mental health. Outside of your OB and healthcare team, you should also seek support from your partner, family, and friends. It’s ok to ask for help, especially during the exciting, yet challenging, time of new parenthood.