Obstetrics & Prenatal Care

Normal & High Risk Pregnancies

Pregnancy is one of the most important times in a woman's life. Having the proper care and knowledge is essential to a successful delivery of your healthy baby. We provide full pregnancy care, from conception through delivery and thereafter. We offer specialized care in family planning, prenatal care and delivery. Our experienced team can help you every step of the way on this incredible journey.

Prenatal care is crucial to your baby's healthy development. Regular doctor's visits are recommended and will allow for professional monitoring of your baby's health. A regular appointment should include checking the baby's heart rate and checking your blood pressure, urine and weight gain. Ultrasounds can be performed to visually check on the baby's development.

In addition to our general obstetrical services, we also provide care for high risk pregnancies, including women with pre-existing medical conditions, multiple births or abnormal pregnancies that carry an increased risk of complications. Our physicians and staff strive to develop strong, trusting relationships with our patients through this wonderful experience.

Your prenatal care should begin as soon as possible and usually includes monthly doctor's visits. These visits should become more frequent as the pregnancy progresses, and include a complete physical exam, blood and urine samples and answers to your questions. Your doctor may measure your uterus, take ultrasounds and perform several other routine tests to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

Tests:

Routine: Tests that are required
Recommended: Tests which we feel are helpful in evaluating you and your baby
Optional: Tests which you may wish to have

Appointments

• First Appointment 6 – 10 weeks from the start of your last menstrual period
• Visit every 4 weeks until 32 weeks
• Visit every 2 weeks until 36 weeks
• Visit every week after 36 weeks
• Postpartum visits are scheduled with the physician who delivered your baby at 6 weeks.
• All our deliveries are at INOVA Fairfax Hospital.
• High Risk pregnancies will be managed in concert with Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists.

Prenatal Care

Routine Tests:

1st OB Visit

CBC: Blood Count: Determines if additional iron or vitamins are needed.

VDRL: Required by state law and helps prevent birth defects

Rubella: Test for German Measles immunity. If not immune, a vaccine is administered after delivery.

Blood type and Rh: Determines Rh negative mothers, who are candidates for a Rhogam shot at 28 weeks and possibly postpartum. Also, screens for ABO incompatibilities which could be detrimental to the baby.

Hepatitis Blood Test Screening (Hep. B,C): Detects carriers of Hepatitis so infant may be given proper care after birth.

HIV (AIDS): Detects carriers of HIV antibody. Recommended by State of Virginia.

Urine Culture: Detects presence of bacteria, which could lead to a kidney infection or premature labor, if untreated.

24-28 weeks

One Hour Glucola: Screens for gestational diabetes. If abnormal, a more specific three hour glucose test is performed.

Repeat CBC: Follow up blood count.

36 weeks

Group B Strep Culture: Screens for bacteria that may cause maternal/fetal infection.

Recommended Tests:

1st OB Visit (Lab)

Cystic Fibrosis Screening: Screens for Cystic Fibrosis

11-14 weeks and 15-17 weeks

Nuchal Translucency Screening in conjunction w/AFP Blood Test: Screens for Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21), Trisomy 13 and 18, Open Neural Tube defects, such as Spina Bifida.

First Trimester 19-20 weeks – Level II

Ultrasound: Helps confirm due date. Also detects multiple births, some birth defects, and placental position. Follow up ultrasounds will be obtained as needed.

Optional Tests (SEE “Testing For Chromosomal Abnormalities”)

If you are 35 years of age or older, or have a family or personal history of chromosomal abnormality (for example, Down Syndrome), you may wish to have:

10 weeks On

Noninvasive Maternal Blood Screening - Down Syndrome, Trisomy 13 & 18

10 – 12 weeks and 15-16 weeks

Invasive Genetic Testing - Comprehensive Chromosomal Testing
Chorionic Villus Sampling

Amniocentesis

NOTE: WE DO NOT DO NUCHAL TRANSLUCENCY, CVS OR AMNIOCENTESIS IN OUR OFFICE. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO SEE IF THESE TESTS ARE COVERED OR NEED PRECERTIFICATION.