How May We Help You?
I'm Pregnant or Want to Be
Tip!
Click on any of the links below to read more information from our Patient Education. These links open up in a separate window.If you are planning to become pregnant:
It is very important to plan a pre-pregnancy checkup. At this visit we will review with you your medical and family history, your prior obstetrical history, any medications that you may be taking and also your lifestyle and diet. We will also do a physical exam if you are due for one. All of these things are important and can have an impact on you having a healthy pregnancy:
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Medical history
Some women have medical problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, bleeding disorders that can cause problems during the pregnancy and can also affect the pregnancy. Your obstetrician can advise you on how to get your condition under the best possible control before you get pregnant.
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Family history
Some medical conditions are more common in certain families or ethnic groups. Your baby could be at greater risk of having a certain medical condition if your close relative has it. Your obstetrician can advise you about inherited risks and also about whether you should see a genetic counselor (genetic counselors have special training to assess the risk of inherited disorders).
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Obstetrical history
If you had a high risk pregnancy before, or had a problem with a prior pregnancy, your obstetrician will be able to counsel you about whether you will be at risk with the next pregnancy
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Medications, herbal supplements
Often a woman does not discover that she is pregnant until weeks after she has conceived and by that time many of the baby's organs have already formed, so it is always important to review the medications you are taking with your obstetrician because some medications should not be taken during pregnancy.
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Lifestyle and diet
Good habits and good nutrition and vital for a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will talk to you about taking folic acid before you are pregnant to help prevent spine defects. It is also important to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs because they can all harm a growing baby. Getting the right amount of exercise and making sure you have all your immunizations up to date are also important.
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Physical exam
If you are due for a physical exam then this should also be done prior to pregnancy to exclude any medical problems or infections.
If you just found out that you are pregnant:
Congratulations! Early prenatal care is very important to ensure that your baby is healthy. Please contact us as soon as you find out that you are pregnant to make your first prenatal appointment. Your doctor will usually want to see you between 6-10 weeks of pregnancy. At your initial prenatal visit we will:
- Review your medical, family and surgical history
- Review your medications
- Do your physical exam to include a pap and pelvic exam
- Draw your blood for lab tests
- Discuss and offer prenatal screening for downs syndrome and spine defects
- Arrange for an ultrasound
- Discuss good health and nutrition during your pregnancy
- Answer any initial questions that you may have
During the first visit you will also receive a binder with detailed information and answers to your pregnancy questions and needs.
If you are trying to get pregnant:
Most couples (85 out of 100) will conceive within one year of having regular sex without using birth control. Although most couples who are not pregnant after one year of unprotected sex will eventually be able to have children, some will need specialized help. So for couples who have not conceived after 12 months of unprotected sex we recommend a fertility evaluation. A fertility evaluation usually includes:
- A history and physical examination
- Measurement of certain hormone levels
- Semen analysis on the male partner
- May include a study of your reproductive organs to see if your tubes are blocked or if your uterus is abnormal
We have a state-of-the-art Family Fertility Clinic to assist you with all your reproductive needs. Please do not hesitate to call us with your questions, we welcome the opportunity to help you!
