Obstetrics

Our obstetric services include:

Although we've guided many women through pregnancy, we realize it might be new to you. With this consideration in mind, we create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable asking questions. As part of our women's care services, our maternal care specialists work towards the best outcomes for you and your baby.

One of the main things to consider during your pregnancy is your birth plan. You can work with your obstetrician to make decisions about aspects of childbirth such as:

• Do you prefer an unmedicated delivery?
• If you've previously had a C-section, do you want to have a C-section for this delivery or do you want to have a vaginal birth?
• Do you want to create a music playlist to help during labor?
• Are you interested in taking prenatal or parenting classes?
• Who will you put on your acceptable list of visitors while you're in the hospital after delivery?

Prenatal appointment schedule

Prenatal appointments ensure both you and your baby are healthy as your pregnancy progresses. Routine visits become more frequent as you get further along in your pregnancy. You can expect to see your obstetrician or midwife at each prenatal appointment.

The recommended schedule of prenatal appointments is:

• Week four to week 28: once per month
• Week 29 to week 36: every two weeks
• Week 36 to week 40: every week

We'll answer your questions and address any symptoms or concerns you may have during each visit. We'll also check your weight and take a urine sample. Some appointments may include a blood draw, glucose testing and ultrasounds. If you're considered a high-risk pregnancy, your obstetrician will coordinate with a perinatologist to provide extra screening and care measures as necessary.

Genetic screening

Genetic screening procedures detect the probability of birth defects. We recognize that the decision about whether to undergo genetic screening is a personal choice. If you plan to have your child regardless of the results, you may still want to consider getting screened. Doing so can help prepare yourself, your family and your doctors for the birth of a baby with special needs.

We are equipped to provide prenatal care for general pregnancies as well as high-risk pregnancies including:

• Advanced maternal age
• Being overweight or obese
• Existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Multiple gestations

The care you receive after childbirth is just as important as prenatal care. Our obstetricians-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) guide you through the crucial self-care process after your baby arrives. Our aim is to help ease pain and discomfort while your body gradually heals.

We can advise you on a number of postpartum issues and considerations, including:

You can choose to receive prenatal treatment from one of our highly skilled certified nurse midwives (CNMs) if that's your preference. All of our CNMs are registered nurses who are trained in women's care services. Like an obstetrician, your midwife performs regular prenatal exams and provides labor, delivery and postpartum care. CNMs focus on reducing medical interventions to support your goals for unmedicated childbirth. Should complications arise during your pregnancy or labor, your midwife will work alongside an obstetrician with the goal of ensuring a healthy delivery.

Whatever stage of life you're in, our OB/GYNs can help with all aspects of your reproductive health, including:

• Birth control options
• Family planning
• Genetic screening
• Infertility counseling and treatment
• Permanent sterilization (tubal ligation)
• Preconception checkups

Birth control

We offer counseling and prescriptions for a variety of birth control options such as:

• Oral contraceptives — contains estrogen and progesterone and you take it daily
• Intrauterine devices (IUD) — T-shaped birth control device that we insert into your uterus through your vagina and cervix
• Diaphragm — soft rubber, latex or silicone cup filled with contraceptive jelly or cream that you insert into your vagina to cover your cervix
• Tubal ligation — outpatient laparoscopic procedure also known as "getting your tubes tied"

Infertility treatment

Dealing with infertility can be a trying experience. We offer compassionate support and the latest medical techniques to improve your chances of conceiving. The most common fertility treatments we offer are clomiphene and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Clomiphene treatment can assist with your egg production and induce ovulation.

An IUI is performed by taking a sample of semen and placing a tiny plastic catheter through your cervical opening into your uterine cavity. Our OB/GYN practices offer IUI with or without clomiphene therapy. You can rely on our knowledgeable OB/GYNs to support you on this journey.

We also want to do our part for your child's health as they grow up. We give you direct access to children's health providers across a variety of pediatric specialties through our vast network.

The specialty services we offer include ear, nose and throat (ENT), cancer and complex surgical procedures. Our pediatric physicians recognize your child's unique needs and provide the gentle, high-quality care they deserve.