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 Please
call to schedule an obstetrical visit as soon as you suspect you
may be pregnant. Your first obstetrical visit will occur at 8-10
weeks of your pregnancy.
Lab
Work
During early pregnancy the following routine blood tests are conducted:
- Prenatal
bloodwork: consists of a complete blood count, with
differential, blood type, and antibody screen to determine Rh
factor as well as screenings for rubella, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis
B.
- Triplescreen/Alpha
Feto-protein: a blood test performed at approximately 16 weeks
into pregnancy to detect specific abnormalities. This test is
optional.
- Glucose
screening test: a blood test performed at approximately 24
- 28 weeks into pregnancy to determine if you are at risk for
gestational diabetes. You will be given a 50-gram Glucola drink
when you arrive for your appointment and a blood sample will be
drawn after 1 hour.
-
Hemoglobin:
done routinely between 24 and 28 weeks into pregnancy to determine
the need for supplemental iron.
- Other test as per doctors orders
Doctor
Availability
Because
physicians are sometimes called away for emergencies, there may
be times when your doctor is unable to see you. Should this situation arise,
it is often possible for your visit to be handled by the nurse practitioner
or one of our other qualified nurses. The physicians feel confident
in the abilities of these specialty nurses to perform routine examinations,
provide information and guidance, and make decisions regarding follow–up
care. This option may be offered if your doctor is unable to meet
with you.
Routine
Schedule of Appointments:
- Every
4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy.
- Every
2 weeks from the 28th to 36th week of pregnancy.
- Every
week from 36 weeks until delivery.
Your doctor may choose to see you more frequently if you are experiencing
complications or if the pregnancy is considered high risk.
If
you go into labor in the evening or on the weekend, your baby will
be delivered by the physician on call.
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