OB/GYN :: Obstetrics
A healthy pregnancy begins before conception. If you are considering a pregnancy, it is important to talk with your gynecologist about your own health, including any medical conditions you have that may impact your health and that of your unborn child. A healthy diet is important at all stages of life, but especially when you are going to have a baby. Be sure to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and take a folic acid supplement.
As soon as you think you are pregnant, make an appointment to see an obstetrician. Early prenatal care will ensure that your baby gets off to a good start. Your obstetrician can confirm your pregnancy and perform tests to monitor the health of you and your child. These may include ultrasound, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and glucose testing. If you begin to experience a difficult pregnancy or if you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, your doctor may refer you to a maternal fetal medicine specialist who specializes in high risk pregnancies.
When you are ready to deliver your baby, you want the best hospital care with access to the most advanced equipment and specialists. UT Medical Group’s pregnancy doctors are on the staffs of the Regional Medical Center Birthing Center and the lead the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Both facilities offer state-of-the-art obstetric care with a special focus on premature and high risk deliveries.
Centering Pregnancy
As an alternative to traditional prenatal care, you may wish to choose what is called Centering Pregnancy. Developed to eliminate waiting room time, Centering Pregnancy groups patients with other pregnant women who have similar due dates. Groups are composed of up to 10 women and their adult support person who meet for their monthly prenatal visits. On each prenatal visit, nurse practitioners meet privately with each patient. The nurse practitioners also assist the small group of women in sharing their pregnancies.
Each session starts with the patient taking charge of her own health and that of her unborn child. As soon as she enters the clinic, she takes her own blood pressure, weight, and urine sample, recording the data in her “Mommy Book.” Then she comes into the group area, talks with other mothers, and enjoys snacks until it is time for her turn to be assessed privately by the nurse practitioner. During the last month of pregnancy, individual patient visits may be necessary for more personal exams.
Imagine no waiting, a community of friends, relaxed time with your provider, and an opportunity to talk about pregnancy, birth, parenting, and feeding your baby. Think of having all the time you need to ask questions and discuss your hopes and fears. Imagine the visit actually being fun. That’s what attracts women to Centering Pregnancy and keeps them coming back.
