The providers at the Women’s Health Center of Lebanon are qualified to manage all aspects of your pregnancy. Our providers are skilled in managing both normal and high risk pregnancies. Ultrasound examinations, non-stress testing and amniocentesis are services that are all available in our office. Babies are delivered at The Good Samaritan Hospital’s New Beginning Birth Suites.
In addition to our five physicians that provide obstetrical care, we have a certified registered OB/GYN nurse practitioner on staff. As an obstetric-gynecologic women’s health nurse practitioner, Mrs. Koons is a registered nurse who has completed a formal obstetric-gynecologic women’s health nurse practitioner educational program. She sees obstetric and gynecology patients in our office, but does not perform deliveries.
The Women’s Health Center of Lebanon allows you to schedule your doctor’s visits as you wish. You may see one doctor exclusively, or see all of the doctors who deliver babies. We suggest that you see all the doctors, so that you will be somewhat familiar with them all, but this decision is entirely up to you.
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Prenatal Care
Early and consistent obstetrical care contributes to a healthy pregnancy. Our providers are here to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. We encourage you to come in as early in your pregnancy as possible in order to optimize your care.
We have an Obstetrical Coordinator who is a Registered Nurse. Our coordinator is available via telephone to answer questions throughout your pregnancy. Each patient will be scheduled to see the Obstetrical Coordinator prior to their first doctor’s appointment. During this visit, we provide you with information related to pregnancy, including information on nutrition, physical changes, the development of your baby and educational opportunities available to expectant parents. We also review your medical history and your family history to ascertain any risk factors pertaining to your pregnancy.
Throughout your pregnancy we will provide you with a full range of obstetrical services. Your first visit with one of our providers should be scheduled as early in your pregnancy as possible. Subsequent visits are scheduled monthly until later in your pregnancy when they may be scheduled as often as every week.
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Preconception Care
Many women do not know that they are pregnant until several weeks after they have conceived. Therefore, planning for the event by making sure that you are as healthy as possible before you get pregnant will benefit both your health and the health of your baby. The early weeks of pregnancy are some of the most critical ones for the fetus since during this time organs are formed.
If you are planning to become pregnant, be sure to let your provider know. This will allow your physician to evaluate your medical history and to begin to identify any high risk factors you may have. Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems should all be discussed with your physician. Each of these could affect your health or your baby’s health throughout your pregnancy, and would need special care during your pregnancy. If these conditions are identified prior to your becoming pregnant, your physician can help you to get them under control before you become pregnant. Additionally, you should tell your povider about any medications you are taking, any problems you may have had during previous pregnancies, and any conditions that are significant among family members since certain disorders can be inherited.
Your physician will also discuss lifestyle and nutritional issues with you. A balanced diet is good for your health at all times in your life. During your pregnancy, what you eat supports the growth of your fetus, therefore a healthy diet is even more important before and during your pregnancy. Folic acid can also help reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Folic acid can be found in the following foods: leafy, dark green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and breads and cereals. Supplements of folic acid can also be taken. The use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs can harm both you and your fetus. No amount of these substances has been proven safe to use, especially during the early days of pregnancy.
Stay physically fit. If you follow a fitness routine before you conceive, you can improve your chances for a comfortable and active pregnancy. Additionally, many types of exercise may be continued during pregnancy if you are in good shape and were used to them before you become pregnant.
Finally, be safe. Victims of domestic violence before pregnancy are often victims during pregnancy. In fact, the American Medical Association reports that about 37% of women are physically abused while pregnant. If you are being abused, tell your medical provider or contact a domestic violence intervention program for help.
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