Pregnancy Care (OB)

Pregnancy for doctors and patients is separated into trimesters of First ( zero to 13 weeks), Second (13 to 28 weeks), and Third ( 28 to 40 weeks) because each trimester offers it’s own unique challenges, fun, and worry.

I, generally, start your prenatal care at 8 to 11 weeks of pregnancy. If you are a new patient this is what I call the “Biochemistry of Pregnancy.” We will talk about antenatal testing that is offered for you or your partner, such as genetic mutations like Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). You do State of California blood work such as your blood type ; It never changes but they want it done every pregnancy:( .You are offered testing for the health and genetic make-up of your baby, meaning Maternal Serum Alpha Fetoprotein aka MSAFP, Nucelotide Peptide Testing aka NIPT (this is the early blood test that tells YOU gender, and me Trisomy 21,18,13 risks) as well as invasive testing such as Chorionic Villous Sampling aka CVS or Amniocentesis. AM I RIGHT!!! BIOCHEMISTRY TO THE MAX!

Finally, if you want to, we can do an Transvaginal ultrasound to determine if you have one or 2 babies, where they are in the uterus, how fast the heart is beating, and the really fun stuff, if it wiggles:) We will confirm your due date aka EDC (Estimated Date of Confinement). I will then prescribe you prenatal vitamins with DHA, or manage your pregnancy malaise (see handout Options for Malaise of Pregnancy) and send you off to a Perinatologist for all of your subsequent ultrasounds.

You will make appointments to see me every 4 weeks, and since the pregnancy is 40 weeks, we have plenty of time to cover all the bases of preparing your body, your family, and your spirit before you bring a baby home. I love lists! Bring them in to every visit.

Preconception also known as before you get pregnant can get rid of almost all of the BIOCHEMISTRY of PREGNANCY by getting done your Counsyl (Counsyl.com Universal Plus Fragile X) testing and Starting Folic Acid (in your prenatal vitamins) 4 months before pregnancy to prevent fetal neural tube defects.

Additionally, the first visit physical exam and history can be done before pregnancy also.