PREGNANCY

At your first prenatal visit, your history will be taken to ensure that any conditions which may affect the progress of your pregnancy can be identified, so that the proper coordination of care can be made. Discussions regarding genetic screening, previous pregnancies, and medical and psychological conditions, will take place. In addition, exposure to medications, drugs, environmental conditions, nutritional status, social concerns, and family support, will be discussed. A complete physical exam will be performed with emphasis on dating the pregnancy. During the pelvic exam, cultures will be taken and a PAP smear will be performed. Options for place of delivery will be determined with guidance by your insurance company. After your visit, a battery of laboratory tests will be performed. Our pregnant patients are seen monthly until about 28 weeks. Visits are then every 2 weeks until about 36 weeks. Patients are seen weekly thereafter, until delivery.

Diagnostic testing during pregnancy usually follows this schedule:

Initial (as early as possible)- Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urinalysis, Blood Type and Antibody Screen, Rubella Antibody titer, Syphyllis screen, Hepatitis B Virus screen, PAP Smear, HIV screen, and Cultures for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Prenatal Genetic screening will be offered to all patients in the first trimester.
16-18 weeks - Ultrasound, Amniocentesis, Maternal serum alphafetoprotein (AFP) (Quadscreen)
24-28 weeks – Diabetes screening, repeat CBC
35-37 weeks – Group B Strep Culture

High Risk Included - Dr. Gex manages most High Risk pregnancies. Some High Risk pregnancies will be co-managed with a Perinatologist, a Subspecialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine. High Risk pregnancies include pregnancies with Hypertension, Diabetes, Thyroid conditions, growth restriction, multiple gestation (Twins), previous Cesarean Section, Heart Disease, Placenta Previa and Preterm Labor.

Fetal Assessment - Most Fetal Assessments are performed at Gex Women’s Care. Some may be performed at a hospital or at the Perinatologist's office. The location will be determined on an individual basis.

Childbirth Education - In the near future, Childbirth Education will be provided at the beginning of the pregnancy for our first-time mothers, then again at 32 weeks. This Education will be provided on site by our Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. Your hospital of delivery may also provide Childbirth Education services after 32 weeks.

Ultrasound - Ultrasound services are performed at Gex Women's Care on one day per week. Many insurance companies allow at least one Ultrasound at 16-18 weeks in a normal low risk pregnancy. Some Gynecology Ultrasounds are also performed at Gex Women's Care.