Whether you are currently pregnant or planning pregnancy, our goal is to provide the highest quality of health care available to each and every woman in a respectful, caring and positive manner, within a welcoming and professional environment. We believe that in order to provide this quality care, we must work together as a team. No single person can provide this care alone; therefore each and every person is a highly valued member of the Gynics Associates team. To schedule your first obstetric appointment, call our office today.
How should I plan for pregnancy?
Planning your pregnancy is an exciting time that may leave you to wonder “What do I need to do? Our recommendations are:
- Schedule an Annual Well Woman, if you have not seen your doctor in over a year
- Start a Prenatal Vitamin. Studies indicate that folic acid is important early in pregnancy.
- Discuss family genetic history with your spouse. Preconception genetic testing for disorders such as Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X, Spinal Muscular Atrophy and more are available.
What Should I Expect During Prenatal Visits
Prenatal care follows a regular schedule. Most women schedule monthly exams through 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then you will have weekly visits until you deliver your baby. If you have a high risk pregnancy, your doctor may ask you to come in more frequently.
At each visit, you doctor will check your blood pressure, weight, overall health and will evaluate the baby’s growth and heart rate. You will have time to discuss any concerns you may have such as nutrition, exercise, morning sickness, labor signs. You will receive routine tests and ultrasounds.
What Routine Tests Are Performed During My Prenatal Care?
Our physicians are committed to ensuring the health of you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. Your care includes blood and urine tests to identify problems that could affect your pregnancy, such as:
- Anemia
- Bladder infections
- Chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted diseases
- Gestational Diabetes
- Hepatitis B
- Hypertension and Pre-eclampsia
- Rubella
Genetic screening for birth defects such as Downs Syndrome are also offered. If your baby is at risk or you have a family history of a genetic disease, your doctor can talk to you about genetic testing.
When will I Have An Ultrasound?
You will have an ultrasound at your Initial Obstetric visit. This ultrasound may be transvaginal or abdominal, depending on gestational age.
All women will have an ultrasound around 20 weeks to evaluate the baby’s growth. At this time you may also learn the baby’s gender
A third trimester ultrasound will be done around 32-36 weeks to assess position and growth of your baby.
Gynics Associates offers 3D imaging during your ultrasound appointments.
Where Will I Deliver?
Our physicians deliver at St. David’s Medical Center in the heart of downtown Austin. Click here to take a brief tour of the Maternity Unit. If you would like a tour in person, please contact the hospital through the online patient registration.
What Can I Expect During Delivery?
You can count on attentive and comprehensive care during your labor and delivery. Our goal is to guide you on this journey. Before you ever step foot in the hospital, you will talk with your doctor about whether you want a natural birth or would prefer epidural anesthesia. You will learn about the different types of deliveries and whether you may need to have a cesarean.
Our goal it to help you reach your goals. If you previously had a cesarean, you may still be able to have a vaginal delivery. Many women have successful vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Your doctor will discuss whether you are a good candidate.
What Medications Can I Take While Pregnant?
Every medication carries with it risks and benefits. It is important to discuss with your doctor all prescription and non-prescription medications you are or may consider taking. This includes vitamin supplements, herbal and so called “natural” supplements. We would prefer that you do not take any medications during your pregnancy, however we do realize that this is not possible for many patients. Do not discontinue any medications prescribed for significant medical problems unless you have first talked with the physician who prescribed the medication and with your obstetrician. If you are prescribed a medication during pregnancy, please take the entire course of the prescription.
Listed below are common conditions and medications that are thought to be safe to use on an occasional basis for these conditions. If you find that you need one of these medications frequently, please discuss this with your doctor or nurse. Generic forms are acceptable.
Allergies: Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec
Cough/cold: Robitussin (plain), Tylenol, Mucinex, Actifed, Drixoral,
Delsym. NO decongestants of any type. Increase fluid intake, use a vaporizer at night if congested
Constipation: Citrucel, FiberCon, Konsyl, Metamucil, Colace. Increase your water intake to 6-8 glasses per day. Increase dietary fiber including bran cereals, fruits, raw vegetables
Diarrhea: Imodium, Kaopectate
Fever: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) only. Call our office if your temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees
Gas: Mylanta, Gas-X, Mylicon
Headache/Fever: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) only. Do not use Ibuprofen products such as Advil, Aleve, Nuprin
Heartburn: Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mylanta, Rolaids or Tums. Pepcid, Zantac and Prilosec are also allowed
Hemorrhoids: Anusol cream, Tucks, Preparation H. Warm baths may help
Insomnia: Getting some exercise during the day might make you sleepier at night. Try a warm shower or bath. Avoid electronic devises. Sleeping pills are not allowed.
Nausea: Antacids, Altoid mints, ginger tea, lemon drops may help. Eat 6-8 small meals per day. Keep saltine crackers at your bedside at night, eat them before getting out of bed in the morning. A small snake before bedtime may also hep.
Sore throat: Cepacol lozenges, warm salt water gargles
Skin irritation: Calamine, Caladryl, Corticaine, Neosporin
Vomiting: Try nausea remedies listed above but if excessive, call our office and talk with a nurse
