| Pregnancy-Appointment Summary | |
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Congratulations on your pregnancy! We all look forward to taking care of you and your baby. We would like to share an overview of the general appointment and tests done/offered during your pregnancy. Upon each visit you will be seeing either a Medical Doctor or a Nurse Practitioner that work as part of a team. 1st appointment: You can expect the following at your first visit: A Review – of your past medical, family, and surgical history. Also, we'll discuss how our office works, including office policies and procedures. A Physical Exam – including a Pap smear and a culture for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. This is done on everyone as a screening test and it is recommended by the Lab Work – initial recommendations include CBC, blood type and Rh factor testing as well as an antibody screen. Optional lab work includes HIV and Cystic Fibrosis tests. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth – this is a wonderful resource book that we encourage you to read and refer to throughout your pregnancy. Office Handout – this handout has been developed by our office as a quick resource guide as to what is okay/safe medications to use and other commonly asked questions. Please refer to it as needed. Prenatal Vitamins – we encourage taking prenatal vitamins, especially taking Folic Acid 0.4 mg as this helps decrease the chances of neural tube defects. At each subsequent visit after check in, please proceed to the restroom and leave a urine sample. We need this each time for completeness of care. 2nd appointment and each subsequent appointment:
From your initial visit to the 28th week of pregnancy, you will be seen every 4 weeks. From the 28th week to the 36th week, you will be seen every 2 weeks. The 36th week to delivery, you will be seen every week. (Subject to change if provider finds more frequent visits necessary). Each visit is approximately 10 minutes. 15th – 20th week Testing Options: Alpha-Fetoprotein Test – Alpha-fetoprotein is a substance made by the fetus. A small amount of AFP crosses the placenta and enters the blood. We will measure levels of AFP in your blood. A high level of AFP can be an indicator of neural tube defects. Quad Screen or Multiple Marker Screening Test – This test measures the levels of estriol and human chrionic gonadotropin, as well as AFP in your blood. It can also measure the risk of neural tube defects, Trisomy 21 and Trisomy 18. If either of these tests place you in the high risk range, further testing will be discussed and arranged. This might include genetic counseling, ultrasound or aminocentesis. 18th – 20th week: Ultrasound for anatomical survey. This is usually done in our office using the latest Ultrasound equipment. Our machine has 4D capabilities. If you bring a CD or VHS tape, a portion will be recorded. Pictures will also be provided. If your baby cooperates and you wish to know the sex of your child, this information will be given to you. 24th – 28th week: Lab Testing – CBC, Glucose Testing (for diabetes) and antibody screen applicable to your blood type. 35th – 36th week: Beta Strep Culture - This is a vaginal/rectal culture. If tested positive we will treat with antibiotics in labor to help prevent sepsis or pneumonia in infants. Classes: We recommend Lamaze classes to everyone. They are offered at Community Health Education Resource or Hospital: We deliver exclusively at Valley Medical Center. Tours are available in Labor and Delivery as well as pre-registration. Consider calling for an appointment at (509) 473-5475. Our We look forward to taking care of you during your pregnancy!
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