Frisco And Plano Obstetrics
This page describes some of the obstetric services we provide to our patients in the Frisco, Plano and surrounding areas. You may click on a topic, below, to jump to a specific part of this page:
Pre-Conceptual Counseling
Planning a pregnancy and experiencing the gift of children is one of the greatest miracles of life.
Proper planning is an important part of seeding the foundation for a healthy pregnancy and birth.
While most pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, obtaining a pre-conceptual consultation
will help provide a couple with the knowledge and preparation for this life changing event. During
this meeting, medical and family history will be obtained since this is an important part of determining
the plan of care during one’s pregnancy. In addition, lifestyle changes may need to occur prior to
becoming pregnant especially regarding diet, exercise and the use of vitamin / mineral supplements.
Physical, laboratory and genetic testing may be recommended as part of the pregnancy planning.
Planning for your pregnancy and taking the proper steps towards this goal will assure you that
you are starting this process on the right track.
Routine Prenatal Care
Once pregnancy is achieved, regular prenatal visits with your healthcare provider will not only provide
you with the proper testing and treatments, but will also guide you through the physical and emotional
changes that pregnancy brings. An outline of what to normally expect during the entire pregnancy process
and being able ask questions should always be welcomed and expected. Typical initial care consists of
laboratory blood work with tests to confirm the gestational age of the unborn child. Regular visits
usually start at 4 week intervals and increase to every 1-2 weeks as you get further along. Fetal
imaging with ultrasonography is usually obtained to assure normal development and of course determine
the gender of the baby if desired. On average, you can expect to have 13 prenatal visits prior to delivering
your full term healthy baby.
High Risk Care
Unfortunately, not all pregnancies are uncomplicated. Prematurity affects 15% of all births born in the
United States. When special care is needed, you should feel comfortable that your entire healthcare team
is ready and prepared. This team can consist of your primary healthcare provider, such as an Obstetrician
or Midwife, Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists, Neonatologist, Pediatrician, Anesthesiologist, and even
Critical Care specialists. Even when perfect prenatal care is provided, unforeseen or even expected
complications may occur. It is important to know that your primary healthcare provider is not only
properly trained and experienced in handling such situations, but that he / she has the proper ancillary
staff and services to accommodate your needs. Examples of high risk pregnancies include: multiple
gestations, advanced maternal age, maternal co-morbidities such as hypertension and diabetes, prior
pregnancy complications, preterm labor, recurrent pregnancy loss and genetic abnormalities.
Delivery and Options
Where to deliver your child can be just as important as deciding on who will delivery your child.
Not all hospitals or birthing centers are capable of handling labor complications if at all. A good
first step is to ask your healthcare provider where they plan or have privileges to deliver your baby.
- What level of neonatal care is available (Levels I, II or III)?
- Are 24-hour Anesthesia services available?
- Who may I get to delivery me if my primary provider is not available?
- Is the healthcare facility in
my insurance network?
These are a few of the many questions that should be answered when that special
time arrives for your delivery.
Post-Partum Care
Once your child is born, you will become officially post-partum which can be categorized as lasting
for the 12 months thereafter. Typically, you can expect to see your provider 1-2 times after the
delivery to not only address questions and concerns, but also discuss important topics such as birth
control and the resumption of your normal physical activities. You can also expect to experience
not only the joy of parenthood, but also the stressors which accompany it. These stressors are not
only emotional, but are very physical and mentally challenging. It is during this time that Post-Partum
Blues (usually transient and lasting for only a few weeks), Post-Partum Depression and even rarely
Post-Partum Psychosis can occur. It is estimated that about 10% of woman suffer from Post-Partum
Depression which can have a tremendous negative impact on not only the mother, but the child and
the entire family that is involved. Fortunately, with proper care and management this condition
is very treatable and usually curable. Close follow up with your healthcare provider is utmost
important during this time.
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