We wish to provide you the highest quality of obstetrical care. In pursuit of this you will need regular office visits to monitor your progress and the following prenatal tests will be performed:
We also recommend a screening ultrasound be performed in the second trimester around 18-20 weeks. This allows us to confirm your due date, look at the baby’s major organs, placenta and amniotic fluid, and possibly pick up any problems at an early stage of the pregnancy. We also recommend an ultrasound in the first and third trimesters, but Medicaid and some insurance carriers will only cover one ultrasound in pregnancy. We will provide a black and white photo and you may bring a Flash Drive to record your ultrasounds.
Explanation of Obstetrical Care:
| Test | When | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy confirmation | 6-10 weeks | Confirmatory Ultrasound. Establish gestational age and estimate date of delivery. Receive lab order for prenatal bloodwork. |
| New OB appointment Nuchal Translucency Ultrasound | 11-13 weeks | Review of blood type, blood count, rubella (measles), immunity status, HIV, blood sugar, hepatitis B and syphilis screen, urine culture, (if you feel you are at risk, STD screening can be repeated in the pregnancy). Optional screening test for chromosomal abnormalities including Down Syndrome and Spina bifida involve blood work and ultrasounds. Optional genetic carrier screening. |
| OB physical | 16-18 weeks | Physical exam including pap smear, gonorrhea and chlamydia screening, routine OB prenatal tests and review genetic test results (if performed). |
| Routine OB follow up | 18 weeks | Ultrasound for anatomy. Routine OB prenatal screening. |
| Routine OB follow up | 24 weeks | One/two-hour glucose diabetes screening, CBC, Rhogam and discuss Tdap vaccination (repeat STD testing, if patient desires) |
| Routine OB follow up | 28 weeks | Routine OB prenatal screening. Review lab results, administer Tdap vaccine for patient and partner (administer Rhogam if Rh neg.) |
| Routine OB follow up | 31 weeks | Routine OB prenatal screening. |
| Routine OB follow up | 34 weeks | Routine OB prenatal screening. |
| Routine OB follow up Ultrasound | 36 weeks | Vaginal culture screening for Group B-Strep-carriers will need antibiotics during labor. Ultrasound for position and estimate weight of fetus. |
| Routine OB follow up | Weekly visits 37-41 weeks | Routine OB prenatal screening, pelvic exam to evaluate cervix and signs of labor. |
We want what you want – a healthy baby; and we feel these tests are in keeping with the highest standards of care. Additional tests may be required as individually indicated. You have the right to refuse any testing. All blood work, PAP, cultures and ultrasounds are billed separately from your obstetrical care. Some patients want cord blood storage drawn at delivery for which there is an additional charge.