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Prenatal Checkups Articles

  • Pregnant Women, Babies, and the Flu Shot

    Here's what you need to know to protect yourself and your baby from influenza, an illness that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia.

  • Understanding an Inconclusive Ultrasound

    It's easy to "fear the worst" following an inconclusive ultrasound result. If you're in this situation we hope this article will encourage and help you understand what an 'inconclusive" ultrasound means.

  • Rh Incompatibility and Why You Need RhoGAM

    In cases of Rh incompatibility, a baby's red blood cells have a substance called the Rh D factor, and the mother's blood cells do not. In medical terms, the baby is Rh positive and you are Rh negative. If some of the baby's red blood cells leak into your system, your body may produce antibodies to the Rh D factor. These antibodies can affect your unborn baby or the next Rh-positive baby you have.

  • Questions to Ask About Your Multiple Pregnancy

    Having one baby is cause enough for a new or even an experienced mom to worry. But the worry only multiplies at hearing you're carrying multiples. So, after you've had a moment to freak out or pick your partner up off the floor, now is the time to get serious and start asking the right questions to get your pregnancy off to a great start.

  • The Important First Prenatal Appointment

    Come in to see your OB/GYN as soon as you think you're pregnant. Honestly, there is nothing more important for getting you and your baby off to a great start!

  • Solving Common Health Insurance Denials and Rejections

    Anyone who has used the healthcare system has probably had to sort through billing issues with their physician or dental office, clinic, or hospital. Here are the most common errors made in the exchange of medical information between the patient, medical office, and insurance company.

  • Medical Bill and Insurance Planning When You Are Expecting

    Having a baby is a game changer in terms of your health coverage as well. For most young couples, this may be the most important single use of their insurance, so it is important to get it right.

  • Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy

    Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, insomnia, and lethargy... Is it possible that this woman is experiencing something more severe than the normal, early pregnancy symptoms? Could it be hypothyroidism?

  • Drilling Down the Fears of Dental Care During Pregnancy

    Going to the dentist is probably not at the top of your favorite's list, but if you are pregnant, don't think for a minute you can neglect those pearly whites that line your mouth and serve you so well each time you eat or smile.

  • OBGYN Careers: A Birthday Party Every Day

    Ever wonder about what being an OBGYN is all about? Check out this amazing interview with Dr. Carmen Woods presented by careersoutthere.com.

  • All Pregnancies Should be Screened for Down Syndrome

    Nuchal translucency (NT), a non-invasive screening for Down Syndrome, measures thickness at the neck of the fetus.

  • Choosing a Hospital and Doctor

    There are major differences in the way doctors and hospitals approach pregnancy and delivery. I'd like to spend the next few minutes making you a savvy consumer. The hospital is the most important choice you will make with regards your pregnancy. Is it baby friendly? Can it care for preterm babies? Take these and more into consideration when making your decision.

  • Non-stress Test: Monitoring Your Baby's Well-Being

    Due to special situations like high blood pressure, premature rupture of membranes, twins or triplets, your provider may decide to order a non-stress test (NST). An NST monitors a baby's health by showing his/her baseline heart rate and also any increases in the heart rate due to movement. It's an easy, painless, non-invasive test that allows your providers to monitor baby's well being in the womb.

  • Demystifying Drug Categories for Pregnant Women

    Mothers who require medication for a chronic health condition will be faced with a dilemma: continue therapy and possibly risk harm to their baby or risk under-treating a serious illness, which can be harmful to both. How do you know what drugs are safe during pregnancy?

  • Is a Midwife Right for Me?

    If you're looking for more personal, less rushed care during your pregnancy, you may want to consider a midwife. The midwives' model of care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. She usually offers a variety of options and seeks to eliminate or minimize unnecessary interventions. Read on to learn more about midwifery care.

  • Calculating Your Due Date

    Since the "clock" started on day 1 of a woman's menstrual cycle, on day 14 she is technically considered 2 weeks pregnant! This is the most important piece of the dating puzzle when it comes to figuring out a conception date.

  • Questions to Ask Your Doctor About: Dehydration and Pregnancy

    Dehydration can be serious, more so if pregnant. Get armed with the right questions to ask your doctor about it!

  • What to Expect at Your Prenatal Visits, 33 - 36 weeks

    If your pregnancy is progressing normally, you probably will be visiting our doctors and nurses every other week during this time period. At 36 weeks gestation, your provider may schedule weekly visits until your baby arrives. At each visit you can expect the routine:

    • Your weight measured
    • Your blood pressure taken
    • Your urine analyzed
    • Your abdomen measured to check you baby's growth (fundal height)
    • Your baby's heartbeat listened to
    • A vaginal exam may be done at each visit to:

  • 10 Tips for Avoiding Excess Pregnancy Weight Gain

    Eating for two doesn't mean twice the food. Controlling weight gain during pregnancy can be a problem. Childbirth education specialist, Bonnie Berk shares tips to help keep your eating healthy and reasonable.

  • Altered Taste During Pregnancy

    Sometimes a pregnant women may sense a funny taste in their mouth even when not eating. The medical term: "dysguesia" meaning an altered sense of taste, accounts for this difference in perception.