PRACTICE INFORMATION Welcome to The Doctor’s Office for Women.
We are pleased to have the opportunity to care for you during this
exciting time. We would like to introduce you to our practice and
give you some idea of what to expect throughout your pregnancy.
Most of you can expect to have monthly visits until 28-30 weeks; at
which time you will come every 2-3 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly
until delivery. Those of you with high-risk pregnancies will visit
us more frequently as needed. The initial visit with our nurses will
include a full review of your medical and obstetrical history, routine
prenatal lab work with confirmation of pregnancy if needed and HIV
testing if you desire. The expanded AFP (alpha fetal protein) test
is recommended between 16-19 weeks with subsequent ultrasound at 18-20
weeks. Those of you who are 35 or older, have abnormal AFP results,
or have other risk factors will be referred for genetic testing. We
also recommend screening for gestational diabetes in all patients
at 26-28 weeks. Patients who are Rh negative will receive a Rhogam
shot at 28 weeks and another after delivery if your baby is Rh positive;
this will prevent complications from Rh incompatibility. Some patients
may require antepartum testing intermittently throughout the pregnancy
which would include non-stress tests, contraction stress tests and/or
ultrasounds to check fetal well-being. Complete obstetrical care includes
your prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum visit. All lab work,
ultrasounds and special studies are billed separately by their providers
(however, most of these cases are covered by insurance when medically
indicated).
While most of your visits will be with your own doctor, you are welcome
to schedule some of your appointments with the other doctors as your
pregnancy progresses since your primary doctor may not be available
at the time of delivery. We are a group of six women physicians who
are dedicated to excellent medical care for the women of our community.
We are equally dedicated to our families and therefore have a rotating
call schedule for coverage during evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
We do provide 24-hour physician coverage for emergencies (including
labor). We would like to thank you for the privilege of caring for
you and we look forward to a healthy and happy pregnancy.
