High Risk Obstetrics

• Amniocentesis
• Gestational Diabetes
• Hypertension Pregnancy
• Incompetent Cervix
• Premature Labor
• Twin Pregnancy

Ultrasound

In the field of obstetrics, an ultrasound(a.k.a. sonogram) is the use of high-frequency sound waves to visualize the fetus, placenta and other pelvic structures on a monitor screen. The patient can also view these images during the examination.

The results are very helpful in determining the health of the pregnancy, mother, and baby. Some of the information that can be gathered during an ultrasound are the age of the fetus, rate of growth, fetal position, number of fetuses, and detection of some birth defects. Depending on the progress of the pregnancy, the baby's sex can be determined.

Please discuss scheduling this procedure with your practitioner.

In the area of gynecology, ultrasounds can be useful in examining pelvic organs and the breasts.

VAGINAL BIRTH

Vaginal birth is the natural delivery of the baby through the birth canal and vagina. It usually begins when the mother has labored until the cervix has dilated 10 centimeters.

During the labor process, women may experience stress, discomfort, and even pain. Depending on the birthing plan agreed upon by the woman and her practitioner, medication or other treatment may be applied to ease the situation.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery (VBAC)

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery (VBAC) is the vaginal birth of a baby after a woman has already had a cesarean delivery of a previous baby. There are several advantages in attempting a VBAC: no abdominal surgery and faster recovery resulting in shorter hospital stays.

Several factors( small pelvis, baby's health ) will determine whether a VBAC is a good choice for you. Please consult with your physician to discuss these factors and the best delivery solution for your baby.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Screening
Between 26 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, all patients are asked to take a screening test for gestational diabetes. This is because gestational diabetes may be harmful to the baby, but otherwise undetectable, and without symptoms. This test involves checking your blood glucose (sugar) level exactly one hour after drinking a measured amount of glucose that we supply on the visit PRIOR to the actual test.

Preparation
The night before your appointment, please eat a good meal, which should include protein (meat, fish, or poultry, for example), starches, fruit or vegetables, and dessert.

On the day of your appointment, eat regular meals before coming to the office. Please have NOTHING BY MOUTH EXCEPT WATER for 4 hours before you drink glucose, and while waiting to have the blood test drawn.
Please drink the glucose 30 MINUTES before your appointment time, and drink it in 5 minutes or less. You will be drinking THE ENTIRE 10-ounce bottle given to you, unless instructed differently.

Please note the time that you began drinking so that we know when to draw the blood. Be sure to tell the receptionist upon arrival that your glucose test is being done, so we'll know to draw the blood at the right time. If it gets to be one hour after you drank the glucose, and you've not had blood taken, please remind us that blood is due to be drawn.

Most pregnant women pass this screening test, and, if so, no further testing for diabetes need be done. People who do not pass will need to take a second, more extensive test.