Prenatal Care

During the first two trimesters of pregnancy we visit with the mother every month, bi-weekly between 6 and 8 months, and weekly thereafter until the baby is born. At the first visit a full medical and family history is taken. Standard labwork is discussed and performed and optional testing such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and chromosomal screening is discussed and offered.

Unlike conventional obstetrical care, prenatal appointments last about an hour and involve counseling regarding diet, excercise and health promoting activities. We believe that optimal nutrition leads to healthier moms and babies, better birth experiences and easier transitions in the postpartum period. We spend a lot of time getting to know each other and exploring a woman's fears, desires and expectations.

During the later months of pregnancy we monitor mother and baby to ensure health, rule out pregancy disorders such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, and make sure the baby is growing well. We offer a mid-pregnancy screening ultrasound and a gestational diabetes screening test. By the end of a woman's pregancy we know a great deal about she and her baby's overall health and preparedness for birth.