Pregnancy & Child Birth
Good Health Before Pregnancy
If you are planning to become pregnant you should discuss your plans with your doctor so you can identify any potential risks. Your doctor may want to know if your immunizations are up to date, recommend possible changes in your diet and nutrition, discuss risks that can impact your baby and help you plan for a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnancy
If you suspect you are pregnant you should call the office. We will schedule an appointment to confirm your situation and begin to plan for a healthy baby. The first office visit is often with a nurse practitioner who will educate you and answer many of your questions about eating, exercise, safe medications, sex, working and plans for the office care. Your second visit and beyond will be with our physicians, who will review your medical and pregnancy history, labs, ultrasounds, medications and expectations with you at each visit.
Multiple Birth Pregnancy
Your doctor may suspect a multiple birth if your uterus is larger than average or if multiple babies are seen on an ultrasound.If your tests confirm a multiple pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the additional precautions you should take to reduce your risk of complications.
Pregnancy and High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure poses risks for any woman, but it is especially dangerous when you are pregnant. High blood pressure during pregnancy may cause less blood to flow to the placenta, the source of the baby’s oxygen and nutrients. Restricted oxygen and nutrients can slow the growth of the fetus.
You may be experiencing complications of high blood pressure if you experience:
Sudden weight gain, more than 1 pound a day
Severe headaches unrelieved with a safe painkiller, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen)
Blurred vision
Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen not explained by another cause
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor right away
Pregnancy and Diabetes
If you are a diabetic, you know the importance of controlling your blood sugar level to maintain your health. When it comes to pregnancy, blood sugar control is more important than ever. Good blood sugar control during pregnancy reduces the risk of
Miscarriage and premature birth
Changes in the pancreas that can result in excessive growth of the baby and risk of injury for you and your baby during birth
High blood pressure
Jaundice for your baby
Because of the hormonal changes during pregnancy, women can develop “gestational” diabetes, even if they have had no symptoms of diabetes in the past. For most women, this condition will correct itself after the baby is born. Women with diabetes or high risk factors for diabetes should be screened for blood glucose levels early in their pregnancy. Others should be tested between 24 and 28 weeks. If your test results show that your blood glucose levels are high, your doctor will discuss the importance of diet, exercise, and frequent testing to manage the situation.
Pre-term Labor and Delivery
Having your baby arrive on time is one of the most important ways we can ensure a healthy outcome. We have a dedicated OB nurse who answers your calls quickly to review with the doctor on call. Signs of pre-term labor can be caught early to try to stop early delivery. The Obstetric staff and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit staff at Porter Regional Hospital are excellent.