What should I do if I am pregnant?
If you think you’re pregnant, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment at Elite OBGYN, P.C. to confirm your pregnancy. Then, you should continue seeing Dr. Shoman for routine prenatal care visits throughout your pregnancy.
What happens at a prenatal care visit?
Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, early and regular prenatal care is essential for your health and the health of your developing baby. During your first prenatal care visit, you can expect Dr. Shoman to:
- Calculate your due date
- Review your medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Check your blood pressure
- Take blood and urine tests
He also discusses important topics, such as proper nutrition and healthy habits during pregnancy, and answers any questions you may have.
Subsequent appointments will probably be shorter than your first visit, but Dr. Shoman still checks your weight gain, blood pressure, and your baby’s heart rate.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
High-risk pregnancies are those that involve an increased risk of problems that may affect you or your baby before, during, or after childbirth. Some high-risk pregnancies occur due to a pre-existing medical condition, while others involve a condition that develops during pregnancy.
Several factors may contribute to a high-risk pregnancy, including:
- Lifestyle choices such as smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol
- Medical history of high blood pressure or diabetes
- Diabetes that develops during pregnancy (gestational diabetes)
- High blood pressure that develops during pregnancy
- Twins or higher order multiple births
- Maternal age over 35
- Prior surgeries on the uterus, including C-sections
Pregnancies that don’t involve these factors are considered low-risk. However, a low-risk pregnancy can develop into a high-risk pregnancy if complications arise, such as an abnormal placenta position.
What is VBAC?
VBAC stands for vaginal birth after Caesarean, or C-section. If you’ve had a C-section in the past, but want to try vaginal birth, Dr. Shoman works with you to determine whether VBAC is right for you.
Many women have successful vaginal deliveries after previous C-sections, but VBAC isn’t an option for everyone. Certain types of uterine surgery, such as a high vertical incision, make VBAC unavailable.
If you’re looking for compassionate, knowledgeable care for your pregnancy, call or book an appointment online today.
