Obstetric Services Available at Tidewater Physicians for Women.
The team at Tidewater Physicians for Women provides comprehensive care before, during, and after your pregnancy. We’re here to protect the health of both you and your baby, and answer all the questions you have about your changing body during pregnancy.
What is Preconception Counseling?
Preconception counseling is a checkup that’s scheduled before you get pregnant, to be sure you’re in optimal health for having a safe pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy baby. This appointment includes:
A pelvic exam
Nutrition assessment and information
Medication review
Assessment of chronic health conditions
Evaluation of weight and lifestyle concerns
A variety of lifestyle issues and chronic health conditions have the potential to cause problems such as preterm delivery, low birth weight, and birth defects. A preconception checkup will identify these concerns, and give you the chance to make any necessary changes before you become pregnant.
When Will You Get Ultrasound Images?
Ultrasound is a safe procedure that uses sound waves to produce an image of your baby. You may have an ultrasound around six to10 weeks to confirm your due date, or you may have the more standard ultrasound between 16-20 weeks. This second-trimester ultrasound shows the baby’s development and often — but not always — reveals the baby’s sex.
The team at Tidewater Physicians for Women is especially proud of our Ultrasound Department, which is staffed by registered sonographers and accredited by the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine Accreditation. This accreditation verifies that we meet the highest national standards and have a history of excellent patient care.
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is one that threatens the health of the mother and/or her baby. Scheduling a preconception checkup is one of the best ways to avoid a high-risk pregnancy because it gives you the chance to treat or change the things that put you and the baby at risk.
35 years of age or older
15 years of age or younger
Underweight or overweight prior to becoming pregnant
Pregnant with more than one baby
Gestational diabetes
History of premature labor
Had a premature baby
Had a baby with a birth defect, especially heart or genetic problems
High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lupus, asthma, a seizure disorder, or another chronic medical problem